Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Boss predicts Sidwell exit

12 Apr 2007 - 16:25:45

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Reading boss Steve Coppell doesn't expect Steven Sidwell to still be at the Madejski Stadium next season.

Sidwell, 24, is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected overtures to sign a new deal and extend his stay with this season' surprise Premiership package.

The former Arsenal trainee has been linked with a host of leading top-flight clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham and Coppell is now anticipating his departure in the summer.

"I anticipate that he won't be here next year so we will have to chop and change in the midfield department," Coppell told Sky Sports News.

"This is an exciting time for him and I'm sure a lot of clubs would love to sign him.

"When the big boys come in, it's hard for players to resist.

"We understand that but we don't necessarily like this law of the jungle.

"He wants to get to the very top of the tree and you can't fault that kind of drive."

Sidwell moved to Reading in January 2003 and has made almost 200 appearances for the Berkshire club.