Addicks chase Sidwell

A number of Sunday papers are carrying stories that the Addicks are planning to sign highly rated Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell. We tried to sign him last summer but the story then was that the Royals player was 'out of contact' on his honeymoon in Mauritius.

According to the Sunday Mirror we look set to clinch the deal for a knockdown £2.5million fee. The former Arsenal reserve, voted the best player outside the Premiership 12 months ago, is valued at around £5m. However, Charlton hope to trigger a get-out fee rumoured to be written into Sidwell's Royals contract, something that Reading have huffily refused to discuss, suggesting that it does exist.

Most of the Addickted seem to feel very positive about the news. It also shows that the lack of a manager is not stopping us going after good prospects. Perhaps a time for a little optimism?