Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Sidwell admits Coppell boost

29 Mar 2007 - 13:44:49

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Reading midfielder Steven Sidwell has hinted the news that manager Steve Coppell has signed a new contract could prompt him to follow suit.

Sidwell, 24, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a free transfer switch to host of other Premiership clubs in the summer.

But, following the news that Coppell has pledged his future to the Royals by penning a two-year contract extension, the former Arsenal trainee has hinted he too could remain at the Madejski Stadium.

Referring to Coppell's new contract, he told the club's official website: "It's brilliant. He's the one everyone was hoping to get signed on the dotted line.

"I'm sure people will sit up and take notice because he's so well respected. I talk to players at other clubs and they want to play for him."

Asked if it made a difference to his own contract situation, Sidwell admitted: "It makes a difference, of course, it's fantastic, and everything is key in terms of the situation with the club, where we finish in the league, what the chairman is doing and so on.

"It's great news that he's signed, he deserves it. I'm sure he's happy, but you know what he's like, he won't show it!"

Sidwell has previously intimated that he could be persuaded to stay at the Berkshire club if they were to finish in the top seven in the Premiership this season and earn a UEFA Cup spot.