Alan Pardew believes Steve Sidwell will shine at Fulham and admits he would have loved to have taken the midfielder to St. James’ Park.
Former Fulham manager Mark Hughes snapped up Sidwell on a six-month deal from Aston Villa in January and the 28 year-old signed a three-year contract in February. Newcastle manager Pardew remembers the former Chelsea man well from his days at Reading, for whom he signed Sidwell from Arsenal, and feels he will only get better.
I would have looked to have brought Steve here. I think he has qualities that would be good here.
I think Fulham were fortunate to get him on the deal they did – a fantastic bargain. He was absolutely brilliant for me at Reading and I think he can still have some big seasons ahead of him
Sidwell has made 21 appearances for Fulham, scoring three goals, but has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice member of Martin Jol’s midfield. He has managed seven appearances under Fulham’s new manager so far, scoring in the 4-0 Europa League win over Crusaders at Craven Cottage.
