Reid reveals dream to lead troops into Europe

The biggest attendance since the Stadium of light was extended this season was 48,260 against Manchester United at the end of January and the club hopes to squeeze even more fans in for a hugely important clash between two sides with burning European ambitions.

It is six years since Reid took over the reins of a club which was heading towards the Second Division and the former England midfielder has transformed Sunderland into a top Premiership outfit looking to at least hang on to fourth place in the remaining eight games of the season.

Reid has finally publicly acknowledged his team's excellent chances of winning its way into Europe. "I would be a nut case if I didn't want to talk about Europe now," he admitted yesterday.

But even though his side bounced back after a worrying six games without a win by ending a 45-year League jinx with a 4-2 victory at Chelsea, he is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "With eight games to go and being in fourth place in the table even I have to say that Europe is on our minds.

"Now we face Leeds and it is a massive game for us - the biggest of the season.

"It is going to be a really good game and it is no surprise that it is sold out. It is one our supporters are really looking forward to."

Reid admits he has avoided talking about a possible entry into Europe for the first time since Sunderland won the FA Cup - against Leeds in 1973 - to qualify for the Cup Winners' Cup.

Sunderland, however, have never qualified through their League position and Reid wants to change that in the all-important few weeks ahead.

He said: "I have tried to keep talk of Europe under wraps, which I think is part of my job, but the players have always had it in their minds.

"These are going to be eight pressure games and it is a matter of how we handle them.

"Our team talks now are if you want Europe it's time to go for it - and I think they are up for it."

Sunderland, of course, disappointed their fans last season by fading badly, but Reid feels his side are much better equipped now to handle the pressure near the top of the table.

He said: "last season we had injury problems but we are stronger now. Last season we were poor and deserved to lose games.

"We had a disappointing run recently but I wasn't disappointed by the performances. Crucial decisions went against us and with a bit of luck we might have had five or six more points."

Reid takes great heart from the performance at Chelsea.

He said: "We played fantastically well and got what we deserved - it was a massive boost for us.

"I think it was a statement to everyone. It is all right me talking about the team being unlucky but when the players give a performance and come up with a result like that it is the acid test."

Now Reid, having seen his side finish seventh last season, wants to take another positive step forward.

He said: "Getting into Europe has got to be the next stage for this club - we are looking to improve all the time.

"I am not flying kites when I say we are desperate to get into Europe and we are desperate to win trophies but it is hard to do.

"We have to compete against the Manchester Uniteds, Arsenals, Liverpools, Leeds and the Chelseas. It's great for me to say that being manager of Sunderland.

"Last season we finished seventh, this time we are fourth and hoping to improve and I think when you get two seasons like that back to back it shows you are an established Premiership side. Now we have to take one step further and get into Europe.

"The pleasing thing from our point of view is that while we are inexperienced in Europe we have experienced internationals in our side and it is something we would not be scared of."

Reid reflected on his first game in charge at Sunderland - April 1, 1995.

"It was April Fool's Day and we were desperate to get a result against Sheffield United to stay in the League. Now we are talking about Europe."

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