Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Sidwell wins praise

02 Oct 2006 - 10:06:03

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Reading boss Steve Coppell picked out Steven Sidwell for special praise as the Royals continued their excellent start to life in the Premiership with an impressive 1-0 victory at West Ham United.

Seol Ki-Hyeon's second-minute goal proved to be enough to lift Coppell's side up to seventh in the table but they needed to surivive a second-half onslaught before securing the three points.

"I've got to be pleased with the result because football is all about results," Coppell said. "We scored a tremendous goal early on but we had to resort to a sort of 'hold on' mentality after that.

"The one clear-cut chance they had was when Teddy Sheringham jumped early, seemed to uncharacteristically misjudge it, and it went through a hole in my back four.

"But Sidwell - to get back and head that Benayoun chance off the line - it was almost physically freaky the way he got underneath the crossbar to adjust and put it over.

"He's been terrific. In many ways I'd like to have 11 players who are coming to the end of their contract.

"It benefits us because he's got to play well to get people watching him. His passing was not at its best in the first half but in terms of ground covered and the comfort he gave to everyone around the field - he's a real presence for us."