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By Martin Petty
BANGKOK, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Famous for his fiery outbursts and no-nonsense style, former England midfielder Peter Reid has promised a more laid-back approach in his new job as coach of Thailand.
The former Manchester City, Leeds United and Sunderland manager said he hoped to instil a winning mentality in Thailand's under-achieving players and shouting would do him no favours.
"You have to be constructive, you need players with you, disciplined, with a good team atmosphere," Reid told Reuters on Tuesday in his first interview since accepting one of Asian soccer's toughest jobs.
"You can't get people's backs up, different cultures react in different ways. I want to get the best out of these players and you can't do that shouting at anyone."
Reid, 52, is due to sign a lucrative four-year contract on Friday and his task is to steer the Thais to their first World Cup finals in 2014.
Thailand have traditionally dominated south east Asian soccer but their mostly part-time players have struggled at a higher level against World Cup regulars South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Reid said he was impressed with the skill and speed of his diminutive players and would focus on improving their fitness and confidence in front of goal.
DIFFICULT JOB
"It's a difficult job but I'm really excited about it," he said. "I want them to play positively, it doesn't matter if they're short.
"(England's) Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler proved that. You can still get goals even if you're not a giant. It's a mental thing, don't be afraid to miss."
Reid said he planned to immerse himself in the culture.
"I come from Liverpool, a working class upbringing, I'm ready to get my fingers dirty," he joked. "I'm not your typical chips and beans-on-toast Brit."
Reid spoke of the difficulties many of his foreign predecessors had encountered in Asian soccer but hoped for unity within the camp.
"I want us all together, me, the federation and the players," he said. "We all have to buy into this. We can't have a split camp, no one can win anything like that."
Reid is keen to bring long-awaited success to the Thais and says World Cup qualification is not a pipe dream.
"It's a challenge but I know what it means to the people," said the coach, who also wants to bring in a foreign assistant.
"It's a proud nation. Football and the World Cup is dear to the heart of these people and I want to take them there."
