Reid: Wants the job

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Former Manchester City and Sunderland boss Peter Reid is to be the new manager of Thailand.

Thai football officials are close to agreeing a contract with Reid, who has also managed Leeds and Coventry, who they want to re-vamp the national team.

"I'm now focused only on Peter Reid, he wants to work for us and we want him here," Thai soccer president Worawi Makudi said.

"He was an excellent player and a highly qualified coach. He's dedicated and he loves our country. He's the right man."

Charnwit Polcheewin resigned as coach after a dismal 2010 World Cup campaign, in which Thailand won only one of their six matches and finished bottom of their group.

Reid will be offered a long-term contract with the aim of qualification for the 2014 World Cup.

Changes

"It's our long-term plan. We need big changes right now and we don't want to make the same mistakes as before," Worawi said.

"We can't afford to waste time. We have the talent and can go far if we are shown the right way, and Peter can do that."

Reid had been one of two names in the frame for the job. The other, German Holger Osiek, has stated that he intends to remain in Europe.

Worawi is hopeful that Thaksin Shinawatra, billionaire owner of Reid's former club City, will help to foot the bill for his appointment.

"Thaksin loves football, he loves his country and he has offered to help us, with anything," he said.