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Steve Sidwell

{{short description|English footballer (born 1982)}}

{{Other people|Steve Sidwell}}

{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2017}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Steve Sidwell

| image = Steve Sidwell 2015.jpg

| image_size = 200

| caption = Sidwell playing for Stoke City in 2015

| full_name = Steven James Sidwell{{cite book| editor-last = Hugman| editor-first = Barry J. | title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09| publisher = Mainstream| year = 2008| isbn = 978-1-84596-324-8}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|12|14|df=y}}

| birth_place = Wandsworth, England

| height = {{convert|1.78|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url= http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/players/profile.html/steve-sidwell |title= Premier League Player Profile Steve Sidwell |author= |date= 2015 |website= Premier League |publisher= Barclays Premier League |access-date= 15 January 2015 |archive-date= 22 August 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140822121738/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/players/profile.html/steve-sidwell |url-status= dead }}

| position = Midfielder{{Hugman|17974|Steven Sidwell|access-date=15 July 2019}}

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = |youthclubs1 = Chipstead

| youthyears2 = 1997–2001 |youthclubs2 = Arsenal

| years1 = 2001–2003 |clubs1 = Arsenal |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2001–2002 |clubs2 = → Brentford (loan) |caps2 = 30 |goals2 = 4

| years3 = 2002 |clubs3 = → Beveren (loan) |caps3 = 0 |goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2002–2003 |clubs4 = → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) |caps4 = 12 |goals4 = 5

| years5 = 2003–2007 |clubs5 = Reading |caps5 = 168 |goals5 = 29

| years6 = 2007–2008 |clubs6 = Chelsea |caps6 = 15 |goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2008–2011 |clubs7 = Aston Villa |caps7 = 45 |goals7 = 3

| years8 = 2011–2014 |clubs8 = Fulham |caps8 = 92 |goals8 = 14

| years9 = 2014–2016 |clubs9 = Stoke City |caps9 = 13 |goals9 = 0

| years10 = 2016 |clubs10 = → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) |caps10 = 16 |goals10 = 1

| years11 = 2016–2018 |clubs11 = Brighton & Hove Albion |caps11 = 34 |goals11 = 1

| years12 = 2016-2018 |clubs12 = Enfield Town |caps12 = 0 |goals12 = 0

| totalcaps = 425 | totalgoals = 57

| nationalyears1 = 2001–2002| nationalteam1 = England U20| nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2003 | nationalteam2 = England U21| nationalcaps2 = 5 | nationalgoals2 = 0

| club-update =

}}

Steven James Sidwell (born 14 December 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Sidwell was a product of the Arsenal academy, and after winning two FA Youth Cups, he had constructive loan spells at Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion, but never broke into the Arsenal first team. He came to prominence in the Championship with Reading after a January 2003 move to the Royals and spent {{frac|4|1|2}} years with the club, helping them to earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time ever in 2005–06.

He joined Chelsea on a free transfer for the 2007–08 season, however opportunities were limited at Stamford Bridge, as he competed with players such as Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Claude Makélélé, and Michael Essien for playing time in central midfield. He moved to Aston Villa in July 2008 for a fee of £5 million. In his {{frac|2|1|2}}-year stay at Villa Park he played 64 times, scoring four goals. Sidwell then spent {{frac|3|1|2}} years at Fulham, making 115 appearances scoring 17 goals. His time at Craven Cottage ended after the club was relegated from the Premier League in 2013–14, and he subsequently joined Stoke City in June 2014 on a free transfer. He made only 13 Premier League appearances for the club, and finished his career with a two year spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, initially on loan, retiring in 2018.

Career

=Arsenal=

Sidwell was born in Wandsworth, London. He joined Arsenal at the age of 9 and was a part of the youth team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 and 2001.{{Cite web |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/team/view/featured_player/0,,10421~129222,00.html |title=Brentford Football Club |last=Maclnnes |first=Keith |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020614210400/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/team/view/featured_player/0,,10421~129222,00.html |archive-date=14 June 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=26 December 2017 |df=dmy-all }} One of his teammates during these years was James Harper, who he would go on to play with at Reading.{{Cite news| date=29 November 2005 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/sidwell-to-show-value-of-arsenal-education-517378.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/sidwell-to-show-value-of-arsenal-education-517378.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title=Sidwell to show value of Arsenal education |work=The Independent | access-date=13 March 2009 | location=London}} Sidwell spent the 2001–02 season on loan at Brentford where he played 35 times scoring four goals as Brentford lost 2–0 to Stoke City in the play-off final.{{cite news|title=Stoke seal promotion|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/1979286.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=16 June 2014}} After originally having been sent on loan to Beveren, but not being able to obtain a first team place in preseason, he began the 2002–03 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion for whom he scored five goals in 12 appearances. In January 2003 Brighton and Stoke City both had bids for Sidwell rejected by Arsenal but an offer from Reading was accepted.{{cite news|title=Brighton bid for Sidwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/2647107.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=10 January 2003}}

=Reading=

Sidwell moved to Reading for an undisclosed fee on a {{frac|4|1|2}}-year deal in January 2003.{{cite news|title=Reading close in on Sidwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/2660385.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=15 January 2003}}{{Cite news| date=11 February 2003 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/2678087.stm | title=Sidwell joins Reading |publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=29 January 2007}} He made his debut for Reading on 29 January 2003 in a 3–1 defeat against Leicester City.{{cite news|title=Pardew dismay at Royals display|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/2704859.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=29 January 2003}} In his next match on 11 February 2003 he scored twice in a 5–2 victory over Burnley.{{cite news|title=Burnley 2–5 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/2693865.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=11 February 2003}} Sidwell played 15 times in 2002–03 as Reading reached the play-offs where they lost out to Wolverhampton Wanderers.{{cite news|title=Wolves hold off Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3024797.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014}} Sidwell made a good start to the 2003–04 season, scoring in the first three matches.{{cite news|title=Ipswich 1–1 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3113045.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=9 August 2003}}{{cite news|title=Boston United 1–3 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3132901.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=13 August 2003}}{{cite news|title=Reading 3–0 Nottm Forest|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3137511.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=16 August 2003}} Sidwell was sent-off for the first time in his career on 27 March 2004 for two-bookable offences against Coventry City.{{cite news|title=Coventry 1–2 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3552851.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=27 March 2004}} Reading failed to make the play-offs in 2003–04 finishing in ninth position with Sidwell playing in 48 matches scoring nine goals.{{cite news|title=Reading 1–0 West Brom|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3655169.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=1 May 2004}} Sidwell signed a new three-year contract with Reading in July 2004.{{cite news|title=Sidwell agrees new contract|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/3877463.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2014|date=8 July 2004}}

In the 2004–05 season Sidwell played 47 times, scoring five goals as Reading again miss out on a play-off spot finishing in 7th position. During the season FourFourTwo Magazine voted him the best player outside the Premier League and he was later named in the PFA Team of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/latestnews/20050302/the-50-best-players-outside-premiership_2293301_634295 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102225340/http://www.football-league.co.uk/latestnews/20050302/the-50-best-players-outside-premiership_2293301_634295 |archive-date=2 January 2014 |title=THE 50 BEST PLAYERS OUTSIDE PREMIERSHIP |publisher=The Football League |date=2 March 2005|access-date=1 January 2014}}{{cite news|title=Wenger backs Sidwell for success|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4387401.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}}{{cite news|title=Swans duo win PFA team accolade|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/4480635.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}} The 2005–06 season saw Reading finally gain promotion to the Premier League and they did so in emphatic style finishing 1st with 106 points.{{cite news|title=Coppell pays tribute to players|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4845592.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}} Sidwell played in 40 matches scoring ten goals and his performances again earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.{{cite news|title=Gerrard named player of the year|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4935884.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}}

In the summer of 2006, Sidwell rejected a contract extension, which was set to expire at the end of the 2006–07 season.{{Cite news| date=6 July 2006 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/5114944.stm | title=Sidwell rejects new Reading deal |publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=29 January 2007}}{{cite news|title=Madejski facing Sidwell dilemma|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/5179366.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}} Reading resisted the chance to cash in on Sidwell and he scored on the opening day of the season, a 3–2 victory over Middlesbrough.{{cite news|title=Reading 3–2 Middlesbrough|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4786631.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}} On 10 February 2007, Sidwell scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Aston Villa.{{cite news|title=Reading 2–0 Aston Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6327173.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}} Over the course of the season, he was linked with a number of high-profile clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea as Reading enjoyed a successful season in the Premier League.{{cite news|title=Coppell expects Sidwell to leave|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/6549679.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}} In total Sidwell played 37 times in 2006–07 scoring four goals as Reading finished in 8th position narrowly missing out on a UEFA Cup spot. At the end of the season Reading manager Steve Coppell confirmed that Sidwell had agreed to join another club.{{cite news|title=Reading prepared for Sidwell exit|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/6642655.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014|date=10 May 2007}}{{cite news|title=Sidwell's Reading exit confirmed|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/6652275.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2014}}

=Chelsea=

Sidwell joined Chelsea on 1 July 2007 on a free transfer from Reading,{{Cite news| title=Sidwell agrees switch to Chelsea |publisher=BBC Sport | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6681893.stm | date=22 May 2007 | access-date=22 May 2007}} and was given squad number 9 for the 2007–08 season.{{Cite news| date=11 July 2007 | url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/1071268 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103092135/http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/1071268 | archive-date=3 January 2014 | title=Introducing new number nine | work=chelseafc.com | access-date=1 January 2014}} In his first interview after joining Chelsea, Sidwell stated that he had not come to Chelsea to 'make up the numbers', and that he believed training and playing alongside top players like Michael Essien and Frank Lampard would only help him improve.{{Cite news| date=10 August 2007 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6940009.stm | title=Sidwell keen to make Chelsea mark |work=BBC News | access-date=10 August 2007 | first=Mandeep | last=Sanghera}} After playing in the club's pre-season tour of the United States, Sidwell then played in the 2007 FA Community Shield where Chelsea lost on penalties to Manchester United.{{cite news|last1=Cheese|first1=Caroline|title=Chelsea 1–1 Man Utd|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6929113.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014|date=5 August 2007}} His league debut for Chelsea came on 12 August 2007 in a 3–2 victory against Birmingham City when he replaced Florent Malouda in the 83rd minute.{{Cite news| title=Chelsea 3–2 Birmingham |publisher=BBC Sport | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931067.stm | date=12 August 2007 | access-date=29 September 2007 | first=Paul | last=Fletcher}}

He scored his only goal for the club on 26 September 2007, in a 4–0 win away to Hull City in the third round of the Football League Cup.{{Cite news| title=Hull 0–4 Chelsea |publisher=BBC Sport | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7008019.stm | date=26 September 2007 | access-date=29 September 2007 | first=Caroline | last=Cheese}} Sidwell struggled to establish himself in Chelsea's first team under José Mourinho and made a total of 25 appearances in 2007–08. At the end of the season, Sidwell became linked to several Premier League clubs, including Everton, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.{{Cite news| date=16 May 2008 | url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Middlesbrough-target-Chelsea-midfielder-Steve-Sidwell-article37293.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102201909/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Middlesbrough-target-Chelsea-midfielder-Steve-Sidwell-article37293.html | archive-date=2 January 2014 | title=Middlesbrough target Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell |work=Daily Mirror }}

=Aston Villa=

File:NickyShorey.JPG (right) during an open training session at Villa Park]]

On 10 July 2008, Sidwell signed a three-year deal with Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £5m.{{Cite news | title=Sidwell Signs | publisher=Aston Villa | url=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1341381,00.html | date=10 July 2008 | access-date=1 January 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722103739/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1341381,00.html | archive-date=22 July 2012 | df=dmy-all }}{{Cite news| title=Villa Complete Sidwell Transfer| publisher=FIFA | url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/824/142/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194221/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/824/142/index.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=2 January 2014 | date=10 July 2008 | access-date=2 January 2014}} He made his debut for the club in a pre-season game against FC Zürich, playing the first 45 minutes, in a match which Villa lost 2–1.{{Cite news | title=FC Zurich 2–1 VILLA | publisher=Aston Villa | url=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1343074,00.html | date=12 July 2008 | access-date=2 January 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722103854/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1343074,00.html | archive-date=22 July 2012 | df=dmy-all }} Sidwell scored an own goal on his competitive debut for Villa on 19 July 2008 in a 2–2 draw with Odense BK in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.{{cite news|title=Odense 2–2 Aston Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7513656.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014|date=19 July 2008}} Villa won the second leg 1–0 to progress in Europe but Sidwell picked up a calf injury.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 1–0 Odense (agg 3–2)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7526708.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014}} He returned to action against Stoke City Reserves on 3 September 2008 but then picked up a knee injury.{{cite news|title=Sidwell back in training at Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7646354.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014}} Sidwell eventually played his first Premier League game for Villa on 26 October 2008 where he came on as a substitute and scored in a 4–0 win away at Wigan Athletic.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7674189.stm|title=Wigan 0–4 Aston Villa|publisher=BBC|date=26 October 2008 |access-date=3 September 2009| first=Phil| last=Dawkes}}

On 9 November 2008, Sidwell scored against Middlesbrough but then gifted Tuncay a late goal with a poor back pass as Villa lost 2–1.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7709039.stm|title=Aston Villa 1–2 Middlesbrough|publisher=BBC|date=9 November 2008 |access-date=3 September 2009| first=James| last=Standley}} He was backed by Villa captain Martin Laursen to move on from his mistake.{{cite news|title=Laursen urges Sidwell to move on|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7719987.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014|date=10 November 2008}} Sidwell scored his third goal of the season just 34 seconds into a game against Everton on 7 December 2008, Villa went on to win 3–2.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7752881.stm|title=Everton 2–3 Aston Villa|publisher=BBC|date=7 December 2008 |access-date=3 September 2009| first=Ian| last=Hughes}} Sidwell was sent-off against Hamburger SV in the UEFA Cup on 17 December 2008 for two-bookable offences.{{cite news|last1=Stevenson|first1=Jonathan|title=Hamburg 3–1 Aston Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7775413.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014|date=17 December 2008}} Sidwell picked up a hamstring injury against CSKA Moscow on 26 February 2009.{{cite news|title=CSKA Moscow 2–0 Villa (agg 3–1)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7900035.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014}} His injury kept him out until the final match of the season against Newcastle United on 24 May 2009.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 1–0 Newcastle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8048294.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 July 2014}} In total Sidwell played 25 times in 2008–09 as Villa finished in 6th position.

Villa had a mixed start to the 2009–10 season as they were knocked out of Europe by SK Rapid Wien but then went on to beat Liverpool 3–1 at Anfield.{{cite news|title=Villa still contenders – Sidwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8214739.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014}}{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Liverpool 1 – 3 Aston Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8209624.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=24 August 2009}} Sidwell was used sparingly by manager Martin O'Neill throughout 2009–10 as Sidwell made 33 appearances with 19 of those coming as a substitute. Sidwell missed the start of the 2010–11 season with an Achilles tendon injury.{{cite news|title=Steve Sidwell on brink of Aston Villa return|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8976444.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=7 September 2010}} Upon his return from injury he was involved in a challenge which left Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Adlène Guedioura with a broken leg.{{cite news|title=Wolves midfielder Adlene Guedioura suffers broken leg|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/9037070.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=27 September 2010}} In November 2010 Sidwell again suffered an Achilles tendon injury which ruled him out for six weeks.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell set for six-week lay-off|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/9172827.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=9 November 2010}} In January 2011, Sidwell was close to a transfer to West Ham United but the move was cancelled as it would have breached the Premier League's 25-man squad rule.{{cite web|title=Steve Sidwell's dream move to West Ham United scuppered by Premier League's new 25-man rule|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/8244688/Steve-Sidwells-dream-move-to-West-Ham-United-scuppered-by-Premier-Leagues-new-25-man-rule.html|website=The Telegraph|date=6 January 2011 |access-date=6 July 2014}} Sidwell also held talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers before agreeing to join Fulham.{{cite news|title=Wolves in talks with Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/9337600.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014}}

=Fulham=

File:Steve Sidwell*.jpg

Sidwell signed for Chelsea rivals Fulham on 7 January 2011, signing a six-month contract with a view to extending it for a further three years.{{cite news|title=Fulham sign Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9349503.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=7 January 2011}} He made his debut for Fulham on 22 January 2011 in a 2–0 win against Stoke City.{{cite news|last1=Shemilt|first1=Steven|title=Fulham 2 – 0 Stoke|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9362434.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=22 January 2011}} On 18 April 2011, Sidwell's contract was extended until the summer of 2014.{{cite news|title=Sidwell contract extension|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/april/18/sidwell-contract-extension|publisher=Fulham Official Website|date=18 April 2011|access-date=19 April 2014}}{{cite news|title=Fulham extend Steve Sidwell's contract to 2014|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9461229.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=18 April 2011}} Sidwell ended the 2010–11 season with goals against Liverpool and Arsenal.{{cite news|title=Fulham 2 – 5 Liverpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9475026.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014}}{{cite news|title=Fulham 2–2 Arsenal|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13441010|access-date=6 July 2014}} In 2011–12 Sidwell played in 28 matches in all competitions before his season was ended in February 2012 due to a hernia injury.{{cite news|title=Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell out for up to six weeks|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16858635|access-date=6 July 2014}} Sidwell marked his return by scoring a penalty in a 5–0 victory against Norwich City on the opening day of the 2012–13 season.{{cite web|last1=Scrivener|first1=Peter|title=Fulham 5–0 Norwich|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221586|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=18 August 2012}} He scored late goals against West Bromwich Albion and Everton.{{cite web|last1=Johnston|first1=Neil|title=Fulham 2–2 Everton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20107627|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=3 November 2012}} Fulham went on to have an uneventful 2012–13 season as they finished in 12th position with 43 points, Sidwell playing in 31 matches. Sidwell did have a poor end to his campaign as he was sent-off on 1 April 2013 against Queens Park Rangers for a late tackle on Armand Traoré.{{cite web|last1=Sheringham|first1=Sam|title=Fulham 3–2 QPR|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21921182|website=BBC Sport|access-date=6 July 2014|date=1 April 2013}}

After returning from suspension against Arsenal on 20 April 2013 he was again sent-off this time for a lunge on Mikel Arteta.{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Owen|title=20 April 2013|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22133449|access-date=6 July 2014}} Fulham made a poor start to the 2013–14 season which saw manager Martin Jol sacked in December 2013 to be replaced by René Meulensteen. Sidwell's own performances improved drastically under Meulensteen, scoring five of his eight goals that season during Meulensteen's tenure. Following the dropping of Brede Hangeland and Scott Parker, and the transfer of Dimitar Berbatov, Sidwell was promoted to the role of captain in February 2014. However, two games later, Meulensteen was sacked and Felix Magath was placed in charge. Hangeland was reinstated to the team, and as a result, Sidwell lost the captaincy. There was no change in Fulham's fortunes, and after a 4–1 defeat away at Stoke City on 3 May 2014 their relegation to the Championship was confirmed.{{cite news|title=Stoke City 4–1 Fulham|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27168529|access-date=9 July 2014}} Following Fulham's relegation, Sidwell criticised his team's performance.{{cite web|title=Sad day for Fulham says Steve Sidwell|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9296192/premier-league-sad-day-for-fulham-says-steve-sidwell|website=Sky Sports|access-date=9 July 2014}} On 23 May 2014, Sidwell was released by Fulham.{{cite web|title=Player Departures|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/may/23/player-departures|publisher=Fulham F.C.|access-date=23 May 2014|date=23 May 2014}}{{cite web|title=Steve Sidwell saddened by Fulham exit|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9341098/transfer-news-steve-sidwell-saddened-by-fulham-exit|website=Sky Sports|access-date=9 July 2014}}

=Stoke City=

On 9 June 2014 Sidwell joined Stoke City on a two-year contract.{{cite web|title=Steve Sidwell Signs|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/steve-sidwell-signs-1627266.aspx|website=Stoke City F.C|access-date=9 June 2014}}{{cite news|title=Steve Sidwell: Stoke City sign former Fulham midfielder|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27769534|access-date=9 June 2014}} Upon signing for Stoke, Sidwell stated – "There were two factors behind my decision to join Stoke – the first being the fact that it's a club that is really moving forward. I was really impressed with the football Stoke played last season; the way they played against Fulham on the penultimate weekend of the season really had a wow factor about it and it led to a first ever top 10 finish in the Premier League. Then there's the manager (Mark Hughes) because he's a man that I have the highest regard for. He signed me for Fulham and I really enjoyed the time I worked with him there".{{cite web|title=Sidwell: 'Why I Joined Stoke'|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/sidwell-why-i-joined-stoke-1627579.aspx?|website=Stoke City F.C|access-date=9 June 2014}} He made his debut for Stoke on 24 August 2014 in a 1–1 draw away at Hull City.{{cite web|title=Steve Sidwell makes debut at Hull|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-Steve-Sidwell-makes-debut-Hull/story-22813110-detail/story.html|website=Stoke Sentinel|access-date=24 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825222132/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-Steve-Sidwell-makes-debut-Hull/story-22813110-detail/story.html|archive-date=25 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Hull 1–1 Stoke|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28824514|access-date=24 August 2014}} After making just one start in his first two months with the club Sidwell admitted that competition for places is stronger than he anticipated.{{cite web|title=Steve Sidwell surprised by level of competition for places|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-Steve-Sidwell-surprised-level/story-23168107-detail/story.html?|website=Stoke Sentinel|access-date=15 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016081836/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-Steve-Sidwell-surprised-level/story-23168107-detail/story.html|archive-date=16 October 2014|df=dmy-all}} On 1 December 2014, Sidwell tore a knee ligament against Liverpool which ruled him out for a proportion of the season.{{cite web|title=Stokes Sidwell Suffers knee Ligament Tear|url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/542374/Stoke-Steve-Sidwell-injured-out-until-new-year-knee-ligament-tear|website=The Express|date=December 2014 |access-date=1 December 2014}} He made 16 appearances for Stoke in the 2014–15 season, ten of which were as a substitute. Sidwell admitted that he had been disappointed by his lack of game time.{{cite web|title=Potters' fine form has made life hard, says Steve Sidwell|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-Potters-fine-form-life-hard-says-Steve/story-26412753-detail/story.html|website=Stoke Sentinel|access-date=25 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504005718/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-Potters-fine-form-life-hard-says-Steve/story-26412753-detail/story.html|archive-date=4 May 2015|df=dmy-all}} He was released by Stoke at the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite web|title=Potters Announce Retained List|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/potters-announce-retained-list-3140549.aspx?|website=Stoke City|access-date=10 June 2016}}

=Brighton & Hove Albion=

On 25 January 2016, Sidwell joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan until the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite web|title=ALBION SIGN SIDWELL|url=http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/brighton-hove-albion-sign-steve-sidwell-2920574.aspx|website=Brighton|access-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125211331/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/brighton-hove-albion-sign-steve-sidwell-2920574.aspx|archive-date=25 January 2016|url-status=dead}} Sidwell played 18 times for the Seagulls scoring once as they finished in 3rd position, losing out to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs.{{cite news|title=Brighton 1–1 Sheff Wed|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36244725|access-date=18 May 2016}} Following his release by Stoke, Sidwell signed a one-year contract with Brighton.{{cite news|title=Steve Sidwell: Former Stoke City midfielder signs for Brighton & Hove Albion|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36503736|access-date=10 June 2016}} On 5 November 2016, Sidwell scored from 50 yards in a 2–0 win against Bristol City.{{cite news|title=Bristol City 0–2 Brighton|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37807860|access-date=6 November 2016}} He was a big part of Brighton's success to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Sidwell missed the whole of the 2017–18 season due to back and ankle injuries.{{cite news |url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/16276168.Sidwell_could_eye_coaching_role_after_admitting_doubt_over_his_playing_days/ |title=Steve Sidwell plans to stay in the game after admitting playing days could be over |first=Brian |last=Owen |newspaper=The Argus |location=Brighton |date=7 June 2018 |access-date=8 June 2018}}

=Retirement=

Sidwell announced his retirement as a player in August 2018, taking up roles as an ambassador and youth development coach at his final club, Brighton & Hove Albion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45275711|title=Steve Sidwell announces retirement and takes up Brighton role|date=22 August 2018|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}

He is now a regular co-host of That Peter Crouch Podcast, alongside Peter Crouch and Chris Stark. The weekly show is one of the most listened to podcasts in the UK.{{Cite web | title=That Peter Crouch Podcast became the third most popular podcast in the UK in Q3 2023 | url=https://www.podpod.com/article/1857019/peter-crouch-podcast-became-third-popular-podcast-uk-q3-2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228151631/https://www.podpod.com/article/1857019/peter-crouch-podcast-became-third-popular-podcast-uk-q3-2023 | access-date=2024-12-29 | archive-date=2024-02-28}}

International career

In 2001, he was capped by England U20's. After making his debut for England U21 in 2003, he received a total of 5 caps.

Personal life

Sidwell married Krystell on 19 June 2005. Within days of returning from their honeymoon, he had a tattoo of the wedding vows he had written for her placed on his back.{{Cite news| date=22 October 2006 | url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/other-sport/fulhams-sidwell-looking-capitalise-manchester-5986998 | title=Fulham's Sidwell looking to capitalise on Manchester United's Champions League exploits | access-date=4 November 2017 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Warburton}}

Sidwell has a sister, Louise, and a brother, Lee. Lee played for AFC Wimbledon during the 2002–03 campaign, their inaugural season in the Combined Counties Football League.{{cite web |url=http://wimbledonheritage.co.uk/archive.php?squad=1&Psection_id=5&Psub_section_id=36&op=Viewby&season=2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030103713/http://wimbledonheritage.co.uk/archive.php?squad=1&Psection_id=5&Psub_section_id=36&op=Viewby&season=2002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 October 2013 |title=Matches: Archives: 02/03 |publisher=AFC Wimbledon |access-date=9 December 2018 }}

Sidwell grew up as a Crystal Palace supporter but started following Arsenal after joining them as a schoolboy.{{Cite web |title=Steve Sidwell: Talentspotter |work=FourFourTwo |date=1 May 2003 |access-date=10 November 2018 |url= https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/steve-sidwell-talentspotter}}

Career statistics

{{Updated|end of 2017–18 season}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
rowspan=2|Club

!rowspan=2|Season

!colspan=3|League

!colspan=2|FA Cup

!colspan=2|League Cup

!colspan=2|Europe

!colspan=2|Other

!colspan=2|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
rowspan=3|Arsenal

|2001–02{{Soccerbase season|28745|2001|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

00000000colspan="2"|—00
2002–03{{Soccerbase season|28745|2002|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|0

00000000000
colspan=2|Total

!0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0

Brentford (loan)

|2001–02

|Second Division

|30

420colspan=2|—colspan=2|—3{{efn|name=statsFLPO|Appearances in Football League play-offs}}0354
Beveren (loan)

|2002–03

|Belgian First Division

|0

000colspan=2|—colspan=2|—colspan=2|—00
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)

|2002–03

|First Division

|12

500colspan=2|—colspan=2|—colspan=2|—125
rowspan=6|Reading

|2002–03

|First Division

|13

2colspan=2|—colspan=2|—colspan=2|—2{{efn|name=statsFLPO}}0152
2003–04{{Soccerbase season|28745|2003|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|First Division

|43

82031colspan=2|—colspan=2|—489
2004–05{{Soccerbase season|28745|2004|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Championship

|44

52010colspan=2|—colspan=2|—475
2005–06{{Soccerbase season|28745|2005|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Championship

|33

104030colspan=2|—colspan=2|—4010
2006–07{{Soccerbase season|28745|2006|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|35

42000colspan=2|—colspan=2|—374
colspan=2|Total

!168||29||10||0||7||1||colspan=2|—||2||0||187||30

Chelsea

|2007–08{{Soccerbase season|28745|2007|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|15

030511{{efn|Appearance in UEFA Champions League}}01{{efn|Appearance in FA Community Shield}}0251
rowspan=4|Aston Villa

|2008–09{{Soccerbase season|28745|2008|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|16

341005{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup, three in UEFA Cup}}0colspan=2|—254
2009–10{{Soccerbase season|28745|2009|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|25

040301{{efn|name=statsUEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}}0colspan=2|—330
2010–11{{Soccerbase season|28745|2010|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|4

0colspan=2|—2000colspan=2|—60
colspan=2|Total

!45||3||8||1||5||0||6||0||colspan=2|—||64||4

rowspan=5|Fulham

|2010–11

|Premier League

|12

220colspan=2|—colspan=2|—colspan=2|—142
2011–12{{Soccerbase season|28745|2011|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/steve-sidwell/2576/ |title=S. Sidwell |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=8 June 2018}}

|Premier League

|14

1201011{{efn|name=statsUEL}}2colspan=2|—283
2012–13{{Soccerbase season|28745|2012|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|28

42010colspan=2|—colspan=2|—314
2013–14{{Soccerbase season|28745|2013|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|38

72110colspan=2|—colspan=2|—418
colspan=2|Total

!92||14||8||1||3||0||11||2||colspan=2|—||114||17

rowspan=3|Stoke City

|2014–15{{Soccerbase season|28745|2014|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|12

03010colspan=2|—colspan=2|—160
2015–16{{Soccerbase season|28745|2015|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=9 June 2014}}

|Premier League

|1

01020colspan=2|—colspan=2|—40
colspan=2|Total

!13||0||4||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||20||0

Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)

|2015–16

|Championship

|16

1colspan=2|—colspan=2|—colspan=2|—2{{efn|name=statsFLPO}}0181
rowspan=3|Brighton & Hove Albion

|2016–17{{Soccerbase season|28745|2016|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=8 June 2018}}

|Championship

|34

12010colspan=2|—colspan=2|—371
2017–18{{Soccerbase season|28745|2017|name=Steven Sidwell|access-date=8 June 2018}}

|Premier League

|0

00000colspan=2|—colspan=2|—00
colspan=2|Total

!50||2||2||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||2||0||55||2

colspan=3|Career total

!425||57||37||2||24||2||18||2||8||0||512||63

{{notelist}}

Honours

Arsenal Youth

  • FA Youth Cup: 2000,{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/stats/madejski-men/steve-sidwell/|title=Steve Sidwell: Profile|website=Reading FC|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222082242/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/stats/madejski-men/steve-sidwell/|archive-date=22 December 2016|df=dmy-all}} 2001

Reading

Aston Villa

  • Football League Cup runner-up: 2009–10{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8531179.stm |title=Aston Villa 1–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=25 March 2024}}

Brighton & Hove Albion

Individual

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

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Category:1982 births

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