Interesting stats you raise. Its not Sidwell's fault that he hardly played and made much meaningful contribution to the game (I'm sure he's always tried his best), but it does highlight the nonsense that football finances are in.
I struggle to think of a more consistently anonymous player whilst on the pitch in all the time I've been supporting Villa.
There's two issues here:-1. Was he taking the piss while here? No, we went after him and he signed, always tried hard and never played up. Decent pro and if Ireland had his attitude we'd have another Jimmy Milner on our hands.2. Was he good enough, well no.So from the perspective of point 1 I wish him well, while from 2 still being glad he's gone.
Quote from: adam#1 on January 11, 2011, 10:29:00 AMInteresting stats you raise. Its not Sidwell's fault that he hardly played and made much meaningful contribution to the game (I'm sure he's always tried his best), but it does highlight the nonsense that football finances are in.Why isn't it his fault if he made hardly any contribution?I struggle to think of a more consistently anonymous player whilst on the pitch in all the time I've been supporting Villa. If that's because he's not up to much, then I don't really know whose fault it is if it isn't his.Still, he's a nice chap, so well worth his 40k a week for 3 years.
Its not his fault , he just gave for the money and didnt give a crap.....
Quote from: JUAN PABLO on January 11, 2011, 10:49:39 AMIts not his fault , he just gave for the money and didnt give a crap..... Don't agree with that at all. He patently wasn't good enough, but don't think he can be accused of taking the piss.
Here is a link to the Villa website and their goodbye note to Steve Sidwell. It is laughable so I have penned one of my own; http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2261346,00.htmlVilla is pleased to announce they have finally offloaded Steve Sidwell to a Fulham side seemingly more desperate than we are. We have lost a fortune on him. Normally we would wish departing players all the best for the future but his derisory contribution doesn't warrant such eulogies. Steve has only produced three moments of note during his Villa career. A superfluous 4th at Wigan in his first season when the game was won and a sublime strike at Everton after 34 seconds that was his final contribution to the game. If that sounds a paltry contribution in a season where he 'earnt' £2.5 million quid amazingly his contribution in his second season at Villa Park was even less significant.Whilst pointlessly warming up Steve quickly threw the ball to James Milner who delightfully lobbed the keeper. A moment which likely sealed Milner's move to Man City. Good work Steve.Having failed to impress the previous manager the new one seems even less enamoured. In the midst of the clubs most depressing run in living memory Steve finds himself 7th in line for a start behind a two untried kids, a centre half and a player returning from a career threatening injury.Steve makes it into the 'worst signings in Villa's history' 11 playing at the base of a diamond midfield formation with Nigel Callaghan, Sasa Curcic and Gary Penrice.At a cost of £11.25 million Steve has cost the equivalent of 450'000 adult customers, this equates to 11.8 home games. On a positive note, the £1.5 million we have saved represents the first in a long line of cost cutting measures which should secure the clubs future when the inevitable relegation to the Championship occurs.There is an appropriate word which can be generically applied to the modern footballer. You all know it, it is deemed offensive, if you are in company keep it to yourself.