Sidwell Replacement - Who would you go for?

Scarface · by **Scarface** » 13 Apr 2007 11:21

I'd love it to be Giles Barnes and one of Stephen Davis, Glen Whelan or Gary O'Neill.

Coppell needs to get this right, we've been very settled in the centre mid area for a number of years and if we don't get the right replacement(s) it could spell massive trouble next season. I'm sure he will by the way.

Huntley & Palmer · by **Huntley & Palmer** » 13 Apr 2007 11:29

Well we won't be able to tempt anyone away from their current Premiership club, apart from those kicking around in the reserves. We don't have the kudos nor the wages to allow it.

Our best bet is someone who misses out at Championship level. I am dearly hoping that Chris Brunt could be tempted from what I have seen of him, has the ability to play anywhere across the midfield. Or Gera at WBA if they don't make it

Big Ern · by **Big Ern** » 13 Apr 2007 11:30

Mr Loyal Royal Stephen Andre Bikey

He's a defender.

zac naloen · by **zac naloen** » 13 Apr 2007 11:31

Big Ern
Mr Loyal Royal Stephen Andre Bikey

He's a defender.

He had one of his best games with us in defensive mid-field.

Stranded · by **Stranded** » 13 Apr 2007 11:32

What about Jason Koumas?

Has been in decent form for WBA this year and will have something to prove at Prem level, which Coppell likes. Could easily be available should Albion miss out on promotion. We could also use Sodje in any deal as they seem interested in him.

Archie's penalty · by **Archie's penalty** » 13 Apr 2007 11:33

Stranded What about Jason Koumas?

Has been in decent form for WBA this year and will have something to prove at Prem level, which Coppell likes. Could easily be available should Albion miss out on promotion. We could also use Sodje in any deal as they seem interested in him.

Too attacking surely - also more of a winger...

SpaceCruiser · by **SpaceCruiser** » 13 Apr 2007 11:33

Stranded What about Jason Koumas?

Has been in decent form for WBA this year and will have something to prove at Prem level, which Coppell likes. Could easily be available should Albion miss out on promotion. We could also use Sodje in any deal as they seem interested in him.

I was going to suggest him, but I think his fee could be in excess of Â£4m. Then again, I could be wrong.

1960 · by **1960** » 13 Apr 2007 11:40

I hear that there is a promising young player at Colchester, name of Halford. Can play defence or midfield. I reckon we could sign him if we were wiling to pay out our record fee.

Hoop Blah · by **Hoop Blah** » 13 Apr 2007 11:44

It's a bit of a needle in a haystack task.

I'm sure Coppell, Hammond and McDermott have been scouring the market over the last 12 months or so looking for a replacement so I wouldn't be shocked to see a pretty unknown foreigner coming in.

I'd rather see another up and coming Englishman though. At least someone from British football.

Names that I'd not be surprised to see us linked with are:

Steve Davis who possibly on his way out of Villa and a ready made replacement in my book
Jagielka who would again be perfect for us
Chaplow or Gera from West Brom
Muamba from Arsenal/Birmingham
Barnes at Derby, although he might be aiming higher
Whitehead if Sunderland mess up promotion
Watson or Soares from Palace who both looked good playing against Sidwell
That Fae bloke we tried to sign last summer and lots of other up and coming players we've never heard of!

I can't see Noble leaving West Ham and Reo-Coker will be expecting a bigger move than coming to Reading. Bullard would be a very good signing as long as he's fit, I can't imgine a more energetic and mental midfield pairing than him and Harper, but I'm notsure we could pull that off.

As for the kids currently here. Karacan is a bit lightwieght to throw into centre of midfield in the Premiership, although does look a good combatative prospect. Henry might get a sniff of the bench in the last few games and he's played a bit in central midfield but they are both way off being Sidwells replacement, or even Gunnars replacement it he fills Sidwells boots.

Hoop Blah · by **Hoop Blah** » 13 Apr 2007 11:49

Stranded What about Jason Koumas?

Has been in decent form for WBA this year and will have something to prove at Prem level, which Coppell likes. Could easily be available should Albion miss out on promotion. We could also use Sodje in any deal as they seem interested in him.

I read a very telling comment on him the other day. Think it was from a Baggies fan but I totally agreed with.

Basically saying that he needed to be the big fish in a small pond and have the team built around him because he just can't do the defensive work. He's too lazy to be a bit part player and thats why he does so well at Championship level where he can be allowed the freedom to just attack.

He'd certainly be more creative than Sidwell but our side is built around two hard working central midfielders with most of the creativity coming from out wide. With that in mind I can't see Koumas replacing Sidwell.

He might be a good shout for a new winger though, one who like Convey, Hunt and Little has the freedom to come off the wing quite a bit....

Woodcote Royal · by **Woodcote Royal** » 13 Apr 2007 11:54

1960 I hear that there is a promising young player at Colchester, name of Halford. Can play defence or midfield. I reckon we could sign him if we were wiling to pay out our record fee.

And, I seem to remember this icelander who's played a few games for us.

He scored against Man U, scored when he played right back (eat your heart out Murts

) and has just one goal less for the season than Sidwell, from less than half the starts and a dozen cameos.

Even when playing right back, Gunnarsson threatens the corner flag much less than Sidwell

How will we cope without greedy bollox.......................

Handsome Man · by **Handsome Man** » 13 Apr 2007 11:55

Harper will replace Sidwell brilliantly.
He will shine next year.

In my fantasies I would love to see somebody like Song join us, and maybe even Reo-Coker, but I think it will be a mix of Gunnarson and Halford.

I do think Flamini is completely shit though.

Wycombe Royal · by **Wycombe Royal** » 13 Apr 2007 11:57

Woodcote Royal How will we cope without greedy bollox.......................

You make yourslef out to sound like a schoolkid on their Easter Holiday with comments like that.

Woodcote Royal · by **Woodcote Royal** » 13 Apr 2007 11:59

That's the best you can manage...........................never mind.

Hahnemann's Hairdresser · by **Hahnemann's Hairdresser** » 13 Apr 2007 11:59

If Sheff Utd go down get Jagielka. He wont be expecting a move to a 'big' club, wages shouldn't be much of a problem and he seems to fit the Reading player mould. Would probably cost Â£3million but is worth it.

I wouldn't touch Koumas with a bargepole, isn't a like for like replacement for Sidwell and by all acounts is a bit of a trouble maker.

Jammy Dodger · by **Jammy Dodger** » 13 Apr 2007 11:59

Not sure where he is in the pecking order at Spurs but I think Tom Huddlestone could be a good replacement.

brendywendy · by **brendywendy** » 13 Apr 2007 12:00

crossie I agree, i'd like to see Gunnarsson there. Or maybe someone from the relegated clubs. Like Jagielka. Or Bangura.

Or Mullins.

all three!!
cmon madejski, dig deep

Hoop Blah · by **Hoop Blah** » 13 Apr 2007 12:00

Handsome Man I do think Flamini is completely shit though.

Have to disagree but I think he'll move to a team that can at least offer UEFA Cup football if not Champions League.

brendywendy · by **brendywendy** » 13 Apr 2007 12:01

Huntley & Palmer Well we won't be able to tempt anyone away from their current Premiership club, apart from those kicking around in the reserves. We don't have the kudos nor the wages to allow it.

Our best bet is someone who misses out at Championship level. I am dearly hoping that Chris Brunt could be tempted from what I have seen of him, has the ability to play anywhere across the midfield. Or Gera at WBA if they don't make it

no, surely the best idea would be to raid the relegated prem clubs

Stranded · by **Stranded** » 13 Apr 2007 12:01

Hahnemann's Hairdresser If Sheff Utd go down get Jagielka. He wont be expecting a move to a 'big' club, wages shouldn't be much of a problem and he seems to fit the Reading player mould. Would probably cost Â£3million but is worth it.

I wouldn't touch Koumas with a bargepole, isn't a like for like replacement for Sidwell and by all acounts is a bit of a trouble maker.

He'll cost more than Â£3m - probably more like Â£5m even if they do go down.

Sidwell Replacement - Who would you go for?

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