Sidwell: There's a real togetherness here

Albion midfielder Steve Sidwell says he sees plenty of similarities between his new side and the record-breaking Reading side from ten seasons ago.
Albion midfielder Steve Sidwell. Photograph: Paul Hazlewood (BHAFC)Albion midfielder Steve Sidwell. Photograph: Paul Hazlewood (BHAFC)
Albion midfielder Steve Sidwell. Photograph: Paul Hazlewood (BHAFC)

The Stoke City loanee was instrumental as the Royals won the second division with a record points tally of 106.

Sidwell said: “You can tell there is a real togetherness on the training ground, which is fantastic and if that is there on the training ground, then it must be ten fold that on a game day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Along with that, there’s quality in the squad, that obviously you do need, but as I said before it’s definitely a squad that’s got capabilities of getting promoted.”

Despite going on to play exclusively in the Premier League, the 33-year-old still remembers what it took to get out of the Championship.

He said: “Although we had a good team and we won it with ease, on reflection there were no egos or superstars, we were a team.

“There was great team spirit there and that got us through more games than individuals winning it, especially on the road as well because that is where it is obviously tough with away games and to do it on a consistent basis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As soon as I’ve walked into the dressing room, after a couple of days here, I could see that with the group of lads that are in this building.”

Looking ahead to tonight’s home game with Brentford, Sidwell said: “It’s still bedding in time but once the games come thick and fast, the football talk will start coming out. As I say, I’ve been there and done it, obviously I’ve done it in the Premier League as well, so hopefully I can now pass that experience on to the lads who haven’t done that and we can all do it together again.”

Captain Gordon Greer is ruled out tonight but Sam Baldock could return.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.