Sidwell Clue To Toon Future

Last updated : 26 April 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Reading fans believe that if Steve Coppell plays Sidwell against United on Monday night he will remain at the club and sign a new deal.

It's the worst kept secret in football that Freddy Shepherd as supposedly beaten off competition from Everton, Middlesbrough and even Chelsea for the former Arsenal midfielder, who is a free agent at the end of the season.

But Reading have made a plea to Sidwell to turn down the chance of playing in a black-and-white shirt next season, and both Coppell and the Reading chairman have pointed out "how loved he is at this club".

Coppell is still chasing a UEFA Cup spot, which would be remarkable for a club in its first season in the Premiership, and he will only play Sidwell "if he is in the right frame of mind" ... which suggests Coppell wants a decision from the player before Newcastle turn up on Monday.