Reading Legend Steve Sidwell Confirms Retirement

Former Reading FC midfielder and certified legend Steve Sidwell has formally announced his retirement, discussing it during his appearance on Sky Sports’ The Debate last night.

The revelation comes as little surprise, with the midfield general finishing his contract at Brighton and Hove Albion during the summer and with no new club signing him - although I’d take him at Reading with the way things are going...

The 35 year-old joined Reading from Arsenal in 2003, and went on to make 173 appearances in all competitions, scoring 29 goals and assisting nine. He played a huge part in The Royals’ record-breaking 106 point season in 2005/6, and was also a key figure in their debut season in the Premier League, helping them finish within a whisker of finishing in the European places.

Sidwell then departed Reading, joining Chelsea in the summer of 2007, and then seeing out the rest of his career in a variety of stints around lower Premier League and upper Championship sides Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke City, and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Sidwell was an influential figure for Reading, with his all-action style and quality technique central to everything good about The Royals midfield. It’s notable that once he left Reading, his midfield partner James Harper went on to struggle and suffer the wrath of some fans who felt his standards had slipped.

You could also argue that Reading have never adequately replaced Sidwell, although Karacan did a decent impression for a little while.

Everyone at The Tilehurst End wishes Steve all the best in his future career, and want to extend an eternal thanks for everything he helped Reading achieve during his time at the club.

All stats via Transfermarkt.com.