UFL: Global taps former Ayr United manager in preparation for 2013 AFC President's Cup

Global FC announced Sunday on their website that the club has hired Scottish manager Brian Reid to serve as the team's mentor, starting later this January. 

 

The 42-year-old Reid had a 19-year professional career as central defender for several European clubs, including Rangers FC, Newcastle United, Burnley, and Blackpool, before wrapping up his career with Scottish club Ayr United in the 2006-07 season. 

 

Reid then took on the coaching reins of that club starting with the 2007-08 season. The club went in and out of the top-tier Scottish football league with him at the helm, making it to Division 1 in 2009-10, and 2011-12. In his last season, Reid piloted the squad to quarterfinals appearances in the Scottish Cup and Challenge Cup, as well as a semifinal berth in the League Cup. 

 

But despite those finishes, Ayr United was relegated back to Second Division after losing in a playoff. The team then announced last May 2012 that Reid's contract would not be renewed, allowing Global to secure his services. 

 

Global last year went through three managers. Australian Graeme Mackinnon resigned in February, while his replacement, Edwin Cabalida, chose to concentrate on his work as Azkals assistant late in 2012, leaving Global chairman Dan Palami to pick up the slack. 

 

Despite the turmoil, Global went on to win the league title, and finished runners-up in the recently-concluded UFL Cup.

The team also made history by becoming the first Philippine club to get an invitation to the AFC President's Cup, a tournament comprised of the champion teams of "emerging" Asian countries. - AMD, GMA News