News of former Gillingham players etc
Sheffield Wednesday loanee Mamady Sidibe gave himself a great Christmas present when he scored the only goal of the game for the Owls against Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day.The former Gillingham striker has been troubled by a number of injuries over the past three and a half years and this was his first goal since netting for Stoke City in the Premier League against Blackburn Rovers in February 2010.
His tale of woe began in March 2009 when he suffered a cruciate injury and the Malian has since snapped his Achilles twice and also injured his knee seriously again.
It all left the 6’ 3” forward considering his future in the game but both he and Stoke boss Tony Pulis kept faith and he signed a new 12-month deal with the Potters in the summer.
Speaking after the Bolton game the 33-year-old said “I was not playing for two and a half years, so for me to score against Bolton was special. To play was the most important thing, but to score as well and for us to win was fantastic.
"It’s my first Boxing Day playing for a long time, so it was good.
“It had been a long time without a goal. I have had so many problems with injury.
“Last year after I injured my knee I thought it was the end of it as I’d had too many injuries and missed too many games.
“But I kept going and am playing again and am starting to enjoy it.
“I have to give thanks to Sheffield Wednesday and especially Dave Jones because he gave me the chance to play games and come to the Championship.”
Speaking about his future, Sidibe, who is on loan at Hillsborough until mid-January, said “I don’t know what will happen. I just need to keep fit and stay on the team and hopefully no more injuries.
"Hopefully, I can keep playing well and do what I can do and we’ll see.
“It’s a great challenge to get Sheffield Wednesday out of the relegation zone. The staff have been good and given me confidence and I wanted to stay.”
“I am here to give 100 per cent. Before I came, I knew the club’s situation and I am here to fight and give everything I can.
“There’s more confidence in the team now and the fighting spirit is really high. You can see the difference.”
At the time of writing Mamady has made seven appearances for the Owls.
Despite their 1-0 success here at MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Boxing Day, Barnet have relieved ex-Gills coach Mark Robson of his duties.
43-year-old Robson had been joint head coach of the Bees sharing the role with Edgar Davids who had joined the North London club as player/coach in October. The former Ajax, Barcelona and Juventus midfielder now takes full responsibility of the first-team.
The Bees released a statement which said: "It was felt that clarification was required regarding the coaching responsibilities at the club and to this end it was agreed that Mark should leave with immediate effect.
"Edgar Davids will continue in his role as head coach and will take full responsibility for all first team footballing matters.
"The club would like to thank Mark for all his efforts and hard work and wish him the very best for the future."
Left-back John Nutter is due to return to Lincoln City tomorrow following a loan spell at fellow Blue Square Premier side Woking.
Darren Byfield has been told by AFC Telford that his contract will not be renewed when it runs out. Bucks boss Andy Sinton had signed him on a short term deal back in September.
The 36-year-old has scored once in six games having suffered a hamstring problem during his time at the New Bucks Head.
Finally, Adam Bygrave, sacked earlier in the season by Farnborough following social networking comments, has joined Hayes & Yeading.
The young centre-half made 16 appearances for the Gills while on loan from Reading in 2007-08.