Fulham snap up Sidwell

LONDON - Fulham manager Mark Hughes Friday said he believes he can rejuvenate the career of Steve Sidwell after completing his purchase from Aston Villa.

The former Chelsea midfielder turned down moves to Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United to sign a six-month deal.

“His intention was that he always wanted to come to Fulham - this was his first choice and we are delighted to have him on board,” Hughes said.

“He is a player whose career I have followed for a while now,” Hughes said. “When the opportunity to sign him in the January transfer window presented itself we moved quickly knowing there was a possibility he might go somewhere else.”

The 28-year-old Sidwell managed just four games in an unhappy spell at Villa, having lost his form after leaving Reading for Chelsea.

“He is a young man who wants to get his career back on track and start playing football again. He has a good reputation in the game and is well admired,” Hughes said.

Hughes also insisted midfielders Danny Murphy and Damien Duff would not be leaving the club.