The sadly predictable news that Steve Sidwell has been omitted from Chelsea’s Champions League 23-man squad made me think about Scotty Parker…
Four seasons ago, Scott Parker was ripping up trees at Charlton Athletic. He had played his way into the senior England squad. Here was a dynamic English midfielder who could tackle, pass and score great goals.
Parker’s form for Charlton rightly earned him a (£10m) move to a bigger club. Unfortunately, that club was Chelsea. What should have been a dream move quickly turned sour, as it became clear that Jose Mourinho had little interest in starting Parker instead of Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele. So Parker went from star man to bench warmer – it’s easy to underestimate what that can do to a player’s confidence. He then broke a cursed metatarsal, which further hampered his chances to shine at the Bridge. Mourinho sold him to Newcastle. Parker spent less than two seasons at Chelsea.
Less than two seasons ago, Steve Sidwell was ripping up trees at Reading. Here was a dynamic English midfielder who could tackle, pass… you get the picture.
Like Parker, Sidwell has really struggled at Chelsea – no suprise, as I he’s not even as good as Parker. Despite the club’s injury woes, half of Sidwell’s 24 appearances this season have been as sub. He has started just one Premier League match since 1 December.
And now Sidders finds himself surplus to requirements in Chelsea’s European scheme. It’s not a good sign. Expect to see him at Newcastle next season.
PS. Scott Parker is not bitter towards Chelsea, as the video below proves…
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