Background
Reeves was born in Stoke-upon-Trent and took over as manager of Stoke in January 1892 from the departed Joseph Bradshaw.
Reeves was born in Stoke-upon-Trent and took over as manager of Stoke in January 1892 from the departed Joseph Bradshaw.
After four months in charge Reeves knew he had a lot of work to do as Stoke finished next to bottom of the First Division in 1891-1892.
But after a lot of hard work and a lot of effort on Reeves" part, the players responded and at the end of the next campaign Stoke claimed a welcome mid-table position. Reeves" gambled blending local born stars like Bill Rowley, Tommy Clare and Alf Underwood with Scottish imports Davy Brodie, Davy Christie and Billy Dickson a combination that initially worked well. After an 11th-place finish in 1893-1894 Stoke had a tough 1894-1895 season which saw them enter the end of season test match to remain in the top-flight, they beat Newton Heath 3–0 to see them safe.
lieutenant was not enough to keep Reeves in charge of Stoke and he was replaced by the club"s goalkeeper, Bill Rowley.