I know there were some Sidwell doubters out there, but I'm very happy about this. I think we're seeing Hughes' de facto endorsement of his talent and abilities with this extension. Assuming we're in Europe again next year, we'll need another midfield general to carry the load along with Danny Murphy. Frankly, I'd like to see Sidwell and Murphy paired together; it's a better offensive set-up that way.
Good news indeed. In the current football inflation, it's shocking we got him for so little. 500K wasn't it?
This is excellent news, an intelligent footballer who will slot into our midfield really well. Well Sidders we look forward to you being part of the fulham family.
Sidwell is the perfect box to box player. Good tackler and great going forward. It frees Murphy up a lot too. I am not quite sure why we played Etuhu against United but I hope Sidwell is back against Wolves. I saw his last game against Bolton and he was fantastic.
Steve Sidwell was a really good buy by Mark Hughes. Based on we have seen at The Cottage, I am really pleased about him extending him contract. Frankly, I would have played him at Old Trafford. COYW
Very happy with this news. I saw Sidwell in his Reading days and he was key to their success that first season. Excellent signing in my opinion.
Agreed that the extension is great news. As for who should play alongside Murphy, I think both have different strengths. Earlier this season some on the old 606 board were hailing Etuhu as the best centre midfielder we've had for years. He hasn't become a bad player overnight. Sidwell has a better range of passing, but also loses possession more. That's not necessarily a fault though, as he is more ambitious in his passing than Etuhu who largely wins it and lays off a simple ball to someone more creative. I think both will get a fair number of games for us next season, and will provide some healthy competition for one another. This also gives us better options for resting Danny Murphy, who has managed yet another season without being rested in spite of several of us saying that his legs have gone. I'm beginning to think that his glowering presence is going to be at the heart of our midfield for another ten years (if only).
Captain, you raise an interesting point. I find it facinating that Murphy just keeps going and going. Once in a while after a Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday week he looks a little leggy out there, but not often. I fully admit I'm one of the guys who every year says "Murphy is near the end ... who will fill his shoes?", yet he seems to continue without much if any interruption or let off in his quality. Giggs is 37 and still playing as well as ever; why not Murphy? (Giggs credits yoga as the reason)
DR, I'm the same, I've spent the last two seasons saying we need a replacement for Danny. The comparison with Giggs is interesting. There's one significant difference, which is that Danny starts every game when fit and usually completes 90 minutes. Giggs makes a lot more substitute appearances and gets rested for several games a season, typically having a run of a 3 or 4 games, then getting a break. Part of his longevity is that Ferguson has a big enough squad to look after him (and Scholes) like that. Danny is more of a workhorse, which makes his continued performances all the better. In some ways, I wonder if Danny's durability works against us recruiting a replacement. As long as he's doing a good job (as player and as a leader on the pitch) we're not likely to buy a high-profile alternative. That's one of the reasons I'd like us to sign someone from outside the Premier Leauge (Hoolahan of Norwich is my preferred choice, but I'm sure there are other alternatives) who would be willing to sit on the bench, aclimatise to the Premier League and take their chances when they come, rather than someone who would expect a starting place from the word go.
Demps you are right about Murphy, he just seems to keep on going. I am about his age and the prospect of playing 3 games in a week sounds a nightmare, it takes me at least 3 days to get over 1. He has managed to stay fairly injury free, by which I mean that he has not suffered serious injuries that can reoccur. I hope he continues to be the creative pulse in our midfield. That said it raises an interesting dilemma when he is not available. Etuhu, in my opinion has been part of the reason that Murph's has stayed injury free for such along time. What impresses me most is his command of the midfield. When we defend he goes i for the tackle first and Murph's mops up. When we attack he provides Murph's with the space and time almost as a line backer would do in American Football ( correct me if I am wrong about American Football player positions ) for his quarter back. What will happen when Murph's is not playing? If Sidders plays in place of Murph's will Etuhu do his same job. Alternatively Hughes may want Etuhu to push forward more. We are so reliant upon Murphy for his creative flair but when he retires I think Hughes will get us to play 2 goal scoring midfielders that play box to box, it remains to be seen whether Etuhu can fulfill that role. I hope so, there have been signs of it already this season. COYW
Morning Captain, You must have been early posting at 5.30 !!! That is either keenness or insomia !! I understand your point about Murph's still holding us back in the transfer window. I think his composure and passing ability is hard to replace. Huddlestone from Spurs is a quality player in Murph's mould but I think we would struggle to get him. This guy McGugan I have heard good things about him, from Notts Forest and the boy can score some screamers. I am 100% sure about this but I think O'Hara's contract only runs until this summer.
Insomnia, Froggy - I wondered if anyone would notice how early it was. I've heard good things about McGugan as well. I'm not sure about O'Hara. He might be very good, but I'm not sure he'd fit in. I'm not entirely sure why I have my doubts about him, nothing I can put my finger on, just a gut feeling.
Sidwell is a quality tackler as well you know. Remember against Chelsea? His tackle on Lampard around the box from behind. Inch perfect. And he doesn't give the ball away as much as Etuhu. Etuhu works against the smaller clubs. Against Wolves we could play him to deal with Henry and O'Hara. Though Sidwell is quite the mercenary himself. Sidwell offers a bit more cover to the defence though, especially Salcido. Whereas Etuhu tends to stay more central. After Etuhu's poor game against United I expect Sidwell to start against Wolves. Its how Hughes works on team selection.
As has been said, Murphy just goes on and on. Of course he won't though, and we do need to be looking for a replacement. Sidwell could turn out to be another terrific signing along the lines of Dempsey, Gera, Pantsil, Hughes & Hangeland and he might be the man to step in. I suppose you've tried counting sheep Commodore, but they turn into Chelsea fans beneath your eyelids.
Cottagecravens, I don't share the view some have that Greening is a waste of space, but I don't see him as more than a useful back-up. It's often forgotten that the 4-1 against Juventus was achieved without Danny Murphy, with Greening depping for him due to Danny's rash red-card against Shaktar. Rocky, now you're just trying to give me nightmares. I had one the other night: I dreamed that some idiot had put up a huge day-glo statue of some dead pop singer outside the cottage. I dismissed it once I woke up - as if!
Captain ... 5:55 am - sorry about the insomnia. I get that, too. My wife tries to give me these herbal concoctions, all of which smell like something one digs out from under a toe nail. Yes, Greening's not a waste of space. He's a good player, just not up to the standards of Murphy or Sidwell. Greening's a backup player and, as long as his wage bill isn't too high, we need a seasoned professional like him if we lose Murphy or Sidwell. I'd be very concerned having a pair like Etuhu and Chris Baird holding down the midfield during a big game.
I once asked David Stockdale on Twitter who the most under-rated player and the best in training who doesn't get recognition on the pitch. He said Greening. Greening adds a bit of depth but he is not the best of players. Decent bit part player. Can't believe we payed 3.5 mil for him though...
