by SK Rapid Wien but then went on to beat Liverpool 3–1 at Anfield. Sidwell was used sparingly by manager Martin O'Neill throughout 2009–10 as Sidwell made 33 appearances with 19 of those coming as a substitute. Sidwell missed the start of the 2010–11 season with an Achilles tendon injury. Upon his return from injury he was involved in a challenge which left Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Adlène Guedioura with a broken leg. In November 2010 Sidwell again suffered an Achilles tendon injury which ruled him out for six weeks. In January 2011 Sidwell was close to a transfer to West Ham United but the move was cancelled as it would have breached the Premier League's 25-man squad rule. Sidwell also held talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers before agreeing to join Fulham. Fulham Sidwell signed for Chelsea rivals Fulham on 7 January 2011, signing a six-month contract with a view to extending it for a further three years. He made his debut for Fulham on 22 January 2011 in a 2–0 win against Stoke City. On 18 April 2011, Sidwell's contract was extended until the summer of 2014. Sidwell ended the 2010–11 season with goals against Liverpool and Arsenal. In 2011–12 Sidwell played in 28 matches in all competitions before his season was ended in February 2012 due to a hernia injury. Sidwell marked his return by scoring a penalty in a 5–0 victory against Norwich City on the opening day of the 2012–13 season. He scored late goals against West Bromwich Albion and Everton. Fulham went on to have an uneventful 2012–13 season as they finished in 12th position with 43 points, Sidwell playing in 31 matches. Sidwell did have poor end to his campaign as he was sent-off on 1 April 2013 against Queens Park Rangers for a late tackle on Armand Traoré. After returning from suspension against Arsenal on 20 April 2013 he was again sent-off this time for a lunge on Mikel Arteta. Fulham made a poor start to the 2013–14 season which saw manager Martin Jol sacked in December 2013 to be replaced by René Meulensteen. Sidwell's own performances improved drastically under Meulensteen, scoring five of his eight goals that season during Meulensteen's tenure. Following the dropping of Brede Hangeland and Scott Parker, and the transfer of Dimitar Berbatov, Sidwell was promoted to the role of captain in February 2014. However, two games later, Meulensteen was sacked