Stefan Reiter, a key figure in Upper Austrian football, has transitioned into retirement while remaining actively involved in the sport through various voluntary roles. In a recent interview, he reflected on his management career at SV Ried, discussing the challenges faced during their promotion to the Bundesliga, financial difficulties, and the evolution of the transfer market. He also shared insights about notable players and his experiences in European competitions, emphasizing the importance of scouting and player development in today’s football landscape.
Stefan Reiter: A Pillar of Upper Austrian Football
Stefan Reiter, a prominent figure in Upper Austrian football, hails from Senftenbach and has left an indelible mark on the sport. Although the 63-year-old has entered retirement, his passion for football continues through various voluntary engagements.
In a recent interview, Reiter shared insights about his tenures at SV Ried, current trends in the transfer market, and his thoughts on notable players like Oliver Glasner and Edi Glieder. You can also listen to the full conversation as a podcast.
Life After Retirement: Staying Active in Football
Mr. Reiter, since your retirement in February 2023, how have you been feeling? Is boredom a concern for you?
Stefan Reiter: I’m feeling quite well! After dedicating so many years to professional football, it’s refreshing to slow down and enjoy life at a different pace. I make it a point to read the daily newspapers thoroughly each morning to keep myself informed—not just about sports, but also about politics and various other topics. I certainly don’t find myself bored, as I am still deeply involved in football on a voluntary basis.
What specific roles are you fulfilling in your current involvement?
I serve as the group chairman of the OÖ-Liga and also engage with the Regionalliga. In addition, I participate in a commission at the ÖFB that deals with academy licenses.
Reflecting on your career, how did you first become involved with SV Ried as a manager in 1993?
Wenzel Schmidt, the then-president, and coach Klaus Roitinger recognized my work at TSV Utzenaich and reached out to me. I started in the 2nd Bundesliga, and by the mid-90s, the team achieved promotion to the Bundesliga after a relegation playoff against FC Linz.
What transformations occurred at Ried following that promotion?
Suddenly, we found ourselves in the Bundesliga with just three weeks to prepare—an enormous challenge! Thankfully, we had a passionate group of volunteers dedicated to SV Ried. Each day in the top league presented new learning experiences.
What were some of the most significant hurdles you faced?
One major challenge was playing in the old stadium in front of 10,000 fans—a sight that seems unimaginable today. We had to set up additional stands, and at times, fans stood on beer benches for a better view. Safety regulations today would never allow that. However, it was a different era; similar situations happened at other Bundesliga clubs, and the licensing requirements were less stringent back then.
SV Ried experienced increasing success, culminating in an ÖFB Cup victory in 1998. How did things change afterward?
Initially, finishing seventh or eighth felt like a significant achievement. However, as success became the norm, fans grew accustomed to winning and began expecting more. Over time, attendance dwindled, and financial challenges arose.
In the early 2000s, you transitioned to Pasching. What prompted that move?
A shift in management at Ried took place that I was not inclined to support. Franz Grad and Georg Zellhofer had assembled a strong team at Pasching, leading them to become champions in the 2nd league. It was an exciting opportunity.
This journey even took you to Europe…
Indeed! In the UI-Cup, we managed to eliminate Werder Bremen in the semifinals but faced Schalke 04 in the final. We lost 0:2 at home and held Schalke to a 0:0 draw in front of 56,000 fans away.
Your striker, Edi Glieder, eventually moved to the Bundesliga. Were you surprised by the interest from Schalke’s manager Rudi Assauer?
Edi performed remarkably well in both the UI-Cup and the league, especially against Bremen. However, he was in his mid-30s, and it was a fantastic opportunity for him. Unfortunately, the then-coach Jupp Heynckes wanted an international star, and the transfer wasn’t discussed with him. Nonetheless, Edi won over the fans and even received an invitation to the ZDF sports studio.
Upon returning to SV Ried, what conditions did you stipulate for your second term?
With Peter Vogl taking over as president, I insisted on having full autonomy over sporting decisions, particularly regarding transfers. I also had the chance to bring in my preferred coach, Heinz Hochhauser.
You facilitated the arrival of players like Stefan Lexa and Jung-won Seo at Ried. How did that come about?
These players were nearing the end of their careers but rediscovered their best form with us. Lexa even became a national player in his mid-30s. Young talents had the opportunity to showcase themselves for larger clubs. A prime example is Andi Ulmer, who joined RB Salzburg through us and had an impressive career. Gerhard Schweitzer and I scouted players ourselves, which is a rarity today.
Speaking of scouting, how has the transfer market evolved over the years?
Nowadays, young players frequently switch management, and many agents prioritize their own interests over those of the players. In the past, we closely monitored all young talents in Austria. Today, many young players move abroad at an early age, which poses a challenge for clubs like Ried.
You experienced significant success at Ried until 2017, including being autumn champions and cup winners in 2011. Why did your tenure conclude then?
A new management team had different visions, and I chose to step aside. I firmly believe we wouldn’t have faced relegation had I remained.
Subsequently, you joined Öedt in the lower leagues and collaborated again with the controversial Franz Grad. What is he like as a person?
In Austria, few sports promoters compare to him. He’s known for his polarizing comments but is incredibly compassionate. He provides players with job opportunities in his company and facilitates quality training. In the event of accidents, he prioritizes the well-being of the individual and offers support to their families if needed.
Before your retirement, you successfully prepared Blau-Weiß Linz for the Bundesliga. Lastly, was there ever a near-transfer that you regret?
Certainly, there have been several, but Adi Hütter stands out. He had signed with us under the condition that his engagement would be void if RB Salzburg showed interest. That’s exactly what happened, resulting in our contract being nullified. I had hoped to collaborate with Oliver Glasner in a way similar to my partnership with Paul Gludovatz,