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Profile: Steven Sidwell


JohnCresswell

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Villa89 profiles our impending signing

Well, Medical pending, its looks like Steven Sidwell will become the latest gingervitis sufferer to don the hallowed Claret and Blue shirt but just who is he?

Despite the impairment of having parents who can't spell 'Stephen' the young ginger boy has done okay for himself in his footballing life.

He started his education in the fabled Arsenal youth setup headed by Irish legend, Liam Brady. Although he never quite made it to the first team apparently he left on good terms, with Arsene Wenger telling him that he may even buy him back in the future.

While at Arsenal he was sent to Brentford on loan in 2002. While there he made 33 competitive appearances scoring 4 goals. From there he spent a few months at Beveren however I have not been able to find any data on this spell.

Another loan followed at the end of 2002 at Brighton where he made 12 appearances scoring again just one goal.

Then Sidwell got his big break as he left arsenal to sign for an up and coming reading side. He made 185 appearances scoring 30 goals and enjoyed promotion to, and a successful season, in the premier league.

He allowed his contract at Reading to expire and based on his performances in the Premiership (and on the fact that he wouldn't be going to the African Nations cup) he earned a Bosman transfer to Chelsea along with a very healthy pay packet.

After just 20 appearances for Chelsea, half of them as a sub, he has decided to move on for the good of his career. Despite belated interest from the Toon, Villa was his chosen destination and who can blame him. It’s a great club.

Welcome aboard Steve, just don't go off to Liverpool when Martin O'Neill gets you into the England squad.

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