Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell cool over Sidwell

23 Feb 2007 - 10:01:44

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Reading manager Steve Coppell retains some hope that he will be able to persuade midfielder Steve Sidwell to sign a new contract to stay with the Royals.

The 24-year-old has opted against pledging his future to the Royals, preferring to wait until the summer to see what offers come in from other clubs.

Coppell commented: "He knows our position. We would love him to sign, but I don't think it is for us now to persuade him to sign for us - it is for other teams to persuade him to sign with them.

"We are going to be constantly knocking and he knows that. He respects our position and I respect his.

"It is an exciting time for him and if he can get something elsewhere that tickles his fancy, then we are resigned to losing him.

"But we are ever hopeful that he will think his future is here because he knows he is going to play here. If he gets involved in a rotation he won't be comfortable."

Sidwell joined the Royals four years ago after being released by Arsenal and has gone on to score 30 goals in 178 appearances for the Berkshire club.