By dixon9
July 9 2008

Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell will move to Martin O’Neil’s Aston Villa for £5m subject to him passing a medical. The deal is expected to be completed by Thursday and will have implications for Chelsea and Liverpool; for Chelsea – an extra possible space in midfield and for Liverpool, the almost certain signing of Gareth Barry after a dogged Benitez pursuit. Wandsworth born Sidwell impressed at Reading, often carrying the game for the Royals and providing the glue that held the team together.  Mourinho took note and signed the midfielder on a free transfer.

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!

Sidwell £5m to Villa - Local Boy Leaves

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 09/07/2008 13:50

50 Years Over 100 Years
09/07/2008 13:50

Sidwell £5m to Villa - Local Boy Leaves

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villarich
09/07/2008 19:28

Great article, I'm glad you are giving sidwell a positive send off...I for one am looking forward to him playing for Villa this season...I think he will begin to flourish under martin o'neill and start producing the sort of performances he produced every week at reading and that can only be good for Villa...

You couldn't ask Roman to buy Gareth Barry from Villa just to @#$%& off the arrogant fat spanish waiter, our captain is only £18m, a mere squad player by your standards...But it would be hilarious...Up the Villa!!!

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dixon9
09/07/2008 19:35

You never know....if Lampard goes!!!

Nah! Too far down the road anyway for Barry and I´m sure he wants to be with his new mate Gerrard - and not sure what Scolari knows about him.




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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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