Mark Reynolds (footballer, born 1987)
A dependable and resilient Scottish defender whose career has been a testament to longevity and loyalty within the domestic game.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Scottish footballer·Birthday: May 7·Millennials
Biography
Mark Reynolds carved out a solid, unflashy career in Scottish football defined by consistency and leadership. Emerging from Motherwell's youth system, he became a mainstay in their defense, captaining the side while still in his early twenties. His move to Sheffield Wednesday presented a new challenge in England, but Scottish football remained his home, with significant spells at Aberdeen and Dundee United. Reynolds was never the marquee name, but managers valued his organizational skills, left-footed composure, and professional demeanor. His journey through the top tiers and into the lower leagues, including a player-coach role, paints a picture of a footballer deeply connected to the fabric of the game in Scotland, adapting and contributing wherever he landed.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mark was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mark Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mark's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained Motherwell at the age of 22, leading the team to a Scottish Cup final in 2011.
- Made over 150 appearances for Motherwell across two spells with the club.
- Won the Scottish League Cup with Aberdeen in 2014, coming on as a substitute in the final.
Did You Know?
He scored his first goal for Motherwell against his boyhood club, Celtic, in a 2-1 victory in 2007.
Reynolds served as a player-coach for Cove Rangers in the Scottish Championship.
He played in a UEFA Champions League qualifier for Motherwell against Panathinaikos in 2012.
“You earn the right to play through your work every day.”
