04/06/2014 By David McIntyre QPR boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Steve Sidwell. The former Chelsea midfielder, 31, is a free agent after recently being released by Fulham, where his contract expires this summer. He made 92 league appearances during a three-and-a-half-year stay at Craven Cottage, having also had spells at Aston Villa and Reading since starting his career at Arsenal. Sidwell was one of a number of players recently released by relegated Fulham at the end of his contract, while Brede Hangeland is also looking for a new club after the Whites exercised an option to end the Norwegian defenderâs deal a year early. Hangeland was previously wanted by QPR but is not currently one of Redknappâs transfer targets. http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-boss-redknapp-keen-to-sign-sidwell-2
No. No. No. Please No! ...and (as said elsewhere)... no to Sidwell, Hangeland, Riise or any other ageing PL refugees
Wow really feeling the love for Sidwell here! I'm also no fan of ageing players particularly from rivals, however on balance I wouldn't dismiss a target outright based on either. We have some older players that have done well for us this season. I actually think Sidwell would be a handy squad player. He is an experienced prem player, knows what's required, would fit in with the British 'sort' squad base we already have. And the clincher for me is that he is an upgrade on Karl Henry. That alone should suffice, surely.
Player's like Sidwell will do a job if required, as I'm sure he'd be no more than a squad player. A free agent like him will mean more money for players who will cost us money.
Wasn't he fairly decent for Fulham last season? 8 goals from midfield in a ****e side. Definitely a grafter/'right sort' too. The only issue is the age, which is why I baulked initially. I think if this were a 1 year deal, for him to be used as a squad player, and the majority of our other signings are young....then I wouldn't object too much. Those are a lot of "ifs" though. It'd be a shame if this were the first signing, as it sends out the wrong message. If we'd already brought on board a few 24/25yr old starlets, this potentially signing wouldn't be so unattractive.
Sidwell's not a bad player, and like others have mentioned he would fit seemlessly into our squad with respect to character. However, I believe we need a midfielder who can find the net from CM and I don't believe Sidwell is that player. We should be going for someone like Craig Bryson who would really step it up in the Premier League similar to how Jordan Mutch did for Cardiff, who has subsequently secured a move to Sunderland.
He will be on at least 50 k a week, its cheaper to buy someone decent for £4m and offer less wages. Sidwell is not a cheap option at all.
Your attitude is spot on with this. We're talking about all these players but really how much can our club spend seeing as we need to massively reduce outgoings this season.
