TIME TO COOL IT, SIDWELL ADVISES HIS PALS
BRIGHTON’S recent dip in form may be giving fans painful flashbacks to last season, but midfielder Steve Sidwell has urged his team-mates to keep their cool so they can cope with the pressure.
Brighton were in the automatic promotion mix for all last year but missed out on the top two on goal difference, before losing in the play-offs.
The Seagulls were looking well set to rectify that this term but, ahead of the weekend, a run of one win in five games in all competitions has brought them back to the chasing pack.
However, Sidwell has warned the squad against panicking and says the team will remain united.
“It’s an important time for us to stick together and we’re still in a strong and healthy position,” said the 34-year-old. “We’ve got to remember that.
“We just need to be composed, more ruthless and worry about ourselves – and not about anyone else.
“We’re in good spirits, we’re in a healthy position and we might need to take a step back and see what we’ve achieved so far and kick on for the last part.
“When you are under pressure, you have got to deliver. If you want to go up, you need to deal with the pressure.”
Sidwell is one of four Brighton players to have won automatic promotion from the Championship during their careers – achieving the feat with Reading in 2005-06 – while manager Chris Hughton also led Newcastle to the Premier League in 2009-10.
And the former Stoke City man is happy to pass on any tips for the rest of the team.
“I’ve been there and done it and, if I have to pass the experience on, then that’s what I’ll do, but there is a time and place for that,” Sidwell added.
“Nothing is given on a plate for you. These are the defining moments that matter, and to be a part of it is what we are all here for.”