Idle, wishful and pointless speculation - Sidwell

[Handsome Man]

You just can't get thicker than criticizing Sidwell for what he did for Reading. Despite having a multi-million pound contract with Chelsea in the offing, he still committed himself to a final season here when he went for every tackle and never shirked. Compare that to Nicky Shorey's efforts when he knew he was on his way and you can see why their future careers have been so different.

I presume Fulham don't want to pay his wages, an he thinks he can get one more Premiership contract. He was usually their best player when I saw Fulham last year.

[kwik-silva]

Their top-scorer and probably has a year or two left at PL level

[RoyalBlue]

Could see him going to QPR if they go up or possibly Palace; no way he'd come back here even if we could afford him and after the mercenary way he treated us I'm not sorry.

Absolute drivel.

How so? He ran his contract down so he could command a big signing on fee and big wages when he went to warm Chelsea's bench leaving us with a massive hole in midfield (and subsequent relegation) and no financial recompense. I'm not arguing that he wasn't entirely within his rights to do this, such is the depressing way of modern football, but don't expect me to welcome him back with open arms.

In stark contrast to a certain Nicholas Shorey, who most welcomed back, Sidwell never gave the club and team less than 100% throughout that period, right up to the very last minute of his very last game for us. He remained professional throughout and, from what I saw of him, never displayed a 'Billy Big Bollox' attitude, particularly when interacting with our supporters.

The club had plenty of opportunity to keep him but took the decision that they didn't want to offer him what he could easily get elsewhere. That was their decision, fair enough, but equally Sidwell was perfectly entitled to take what he could get elsewhere, provided he gave his all to our club whilst he was still being paid by us. That is what he did.

[Terminal Boardom]

One of the best to wear the hoops and always gave 100% I just don't get the negative comments towards him. The comparison with Shorey is a good one and if Sidders was to come back then that would be an excellent signing. But considering the near apocalyptic state of the club's finances, will it happen? Of course not.

[From Despair To Where?]

Bentdner has been released too.

Would we have him here?

Yes!!, becuase we don't have enough big money serial under achievers in the squad.

Considering the current financial situation, of all the strikers released by Premier League teams, Matty Friatt would seem more within our scope.

[M Brook]

I would have him back in a shot but I doubt he would come. In fact, I doubt anyone would come at the moment!

That said, I will take issue with those who are saying that he gave his all right to the end of his last season with us (2006/7). I can understand why people might say that if they are comparing him to Shorey who was very poor during his last season with us. But Sidders also went off the boil somewhat. In fact, I can only recall him playing in a couple of the last half dozen or so games. I also recall him getting a run of stupid, unnecessary yellow cards. He knew he was off long before we did, obviously, and it did affect his play.

[No Fixed Abode]

Has signed for Stoke City on a Two year deal.

[Ian Royal]

Good signing for Stoke. Not surprised.

[The Real Sandhurst Royal]

Ian Royal wrote: Good signing for Stoke. Not surprised.

Shrewd business by Stoke.

[maffff]

Wasn't it Hughes signed him for Fulham?

He'll do well there. Good signing.

[PistolPete]

Impressed by Hughes on this one - can see that being a sensible and successful signing.

[AthleticoSpizz]

Pretty routine signing tbh

Sidders still remains a bit special around here tho'