Aston Villa: Sidwell understands subbed Reo-Coker’s anger in derby clash

Sep 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

STEVE Sidwell insists he can understand Nigel Reo-Coker’s frustration after admitting the midfielder was unlucky to be sacrificed in the Second City derby.

Martin O’Neill’s decision to haul off Reo-Coker midway through the second half of Villa’s 1-0 win proved to be a tactical masterstroke.

But, although Reo-Coker’s replacement John Carew set up Gabby Agbonlahor’s late winner, Sidwell sympathises with his central midfield colleague’s disappointment.

The former West Ham captain stomped angrily off the field – and Sidwell admitted it could easily have been him rather than Reo-Coker who was substituted.

“Nobody wants to be taken off, whether it’s 0-0, 1-0 or 4-0,” said Sidwell.

“He wants to play in every moment of every game because he wants to do his best for the team and he can’t do that sitting on the bench.