Stoke City FC

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• Manager:Tony Pulis

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Sidibe admits to early fears

28 Nov 2008 - 10:21:27

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Mamady Sidibe has admitted that he almost left Stoke City before he had even made his first-team debut for the club.

The 28-year-old Mali international has gone on to make almost 150 appearances for the club since joining the Potters from Gillingham in the summer of 2005 but admits his early days at the Britannia Stadium were difficult.

Tony Pulis was sacked immediately after signing Sidibe, who told The Sentinel: "When the manager signed me and then left after two weeks, I was thinking about leaving the club as well.

"There didn't seem any point in staying because the man who signed me wasn't here anymore.

"But my agent spoke with John Rudge and I stayed. It was a great choice because Tony Pulis came back.

"The fans appreciate me more for the job I do than for scoring goals because I don't score many.

"But their support has helped my game, and I keep giving them my best. They give me a boost on the pitch. When the fans are behind you, it gives you wings."