Ted Reay

Edwin Peel Reay was an English professional footballer who played as a full back in the Football League for Sheffield United and Queens [Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]. After his retirement as a player, he became assistant trainer at the club and later emigrated to Perth, Australia.

Early life

Edwin 'Ted' Peel Reay was born on 5th August 1914 in East Howdon, an industrial area of Wallsend, Northumberland. He was the tenth of eleven children to shop caulker William Reay and his wife Mary Thompson Peel. His eldest brother, George Thompson Reay, was also a professional footballer.
Ted was transferred from Sheffield United to Queens Park Rangers on 12th November 1937.
Ted was recognised for his skill in playing professional football, particularly his 'two-footed' play. While playing for Queens Park Rangers in the early months of the Second World War, hee would often be lent out to play for other clubs. An article in the Daily Express in May 1940 notes how Ted was called upon by Fulham FC to play a game against West Ham United. The crowd, being dissatisfied with the overall performance of the regular players, chanted 'Hip-hip Hoo-Reay' as Ted dazzled.