STEP UP TO SAINT SIDI!

Boss Clegg calls on Rylands to fill void of star man

WARRINGTON Rylands boss Michael Clegg says he can’t wait to see how the career of top talent Adama Sidibeh’s progresses.

The highly-rated Gambian frontman has been snapped up by Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Seen as one of the nest players outside the National League, Sidibeh joined Rylands from Cheadle Heath Nomads and has netted 16 goals for the Blues this season.

“We did get offered more from three other clubs, but it was where Adama wanted to go,” Clegg said.

“We showed the colour of our teeth and allowed Adama the freedom to choose. We didn’t hold a gun to his head, we allowed him to pick the club with the lowest offer, we wanted the best for him and he got that.” After a huge clamour for his signature, Clegg is relieved to have got the deal over the line – and admits that transfer speculation surrounding his star man has had a negative effect on his NPL Premier

promotion hopefuls in recent weeks.

“The speculation has dragged on and has impacted a few things we’ve had to do,” Clegg revealed.

“We’ve had to leave him out of one game, and put him on the bench in another. We haven’t won those and we could’ve won those.

“At 1.30pm last Saturday we weren’t sure if he was leaving or not – it’s been a bit of a nightmare.

“But as frustrating as the last few weeks have been it’s done now, we wish him all the best and will be keeping a close eye on his career now.”

Sidibeh had helped fire Rylands up to third in the table in only their second season at Step 3 and Clegg believes his exit will help inspire his squad even more to make the next step up.

“I think we’ve become a bit predictable over the past couple of months with his form,” he admitted. “We played better football in the first eight games when he was injured and coming in and out of the team.

“We saw a difference last night. Training was through the roof, lads are seizing their opportunities, the squad is galvanised. Everyone will have to raise the game to bring the team up to the levels and it’s something I have full confidence in them doing.

“The chairman has given us all the tools to be promoted, there’s no pressure to go up, we’d love to do that and we’ll do everything we can to get there.”