Sidwell didn’t shine at Stamford Bridge but then again, with one of the best midfields in Europe in front of him he didn’t get much opportunity to stake a claim.

His departure is shame in a way from my point of view.  Here we had a local lad who should have been capable of providing performances good enough to persuade Chelsea not to sell him but he seemed overawed when playing - almost like a rabbit in headlights, and appeared to lack the trademark terrier-like confidence he so often displayed at Reading.

Some Chelsea fans adopt the somewhat cruel (and perhaps sadly realistic) attitude that even if a player´s confidence suffers from very irregular starts and this is reflected in his performance then “get rid” – Pizarro is another who receives similar scorn.

Many opposition clubs fans (although also driven by bitter motives towards Chelsea anyway) slated Sidwell as a mercenary getting what he deserved sat on the bench - I would say that his move to Chelsea demonstrated ambition and a will to at least try and prove himself in the highest arenas of football. 

Fortunately, he’s gone to an excellent football club that may well recoup their former standing in European football under the astute marshalling of Martin O’Neil.

No doubt Sidwell will play with more confidence from now on – I won’t even begrudge him a good performance against ourselves (but not too good obviously!).

Good luck to you Steve!

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