Reid to remain as Thai national coach
BANGKOK - Peter Reid will stay as Thailand's national coach, the country's football chief said on Monday, rejecting speculation that the Englishman would move to Premier League team Stoke City.
Former England midfielder Reid has been helping Stoke manager Tony Pulis and intends to return to Bangkok soon, Thai Football Association (FAT) president Worawi Makudi said.
"He did not sign a contract with Stoke. He just helped his friend," Worawi told Thai reporters based in England.
"He cannot go anywhere at the moment because he is still under contract."
Worawi's comments might do little to reassure fans in Thailand, who have received mixed messages about the future of Reid, who signed a four-year contract with Thailand last September.
The former Leeds United, Manchester City and Sunderland boss last week gave interviews with Sky Sports News and the BBC saying he craved a return to the English top flight and was excited by the prospect of becoming Pulis's assistant.
Thai media started speculating about his replacement, with reports suggesting either a recall of previous coach Charnwit Polcheewin, promotion of Reid's assistant, Steve Darby, or even that Reid would double as a coach of both Stoke and Thailand.
Reid did not respond to calls or messages when contacted by Reuters and declined to discuss his future after meeting Worawi in Manchester on Saturday.
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The Liverpudlian, aiming to kickstart Thai plans to reach the 2014 World Cup, has already given the team a major facelift, suffering only two defeats in his 13 competitive games in charge.