Sidibe signs new Stoke contract

Last updated : 06 February 2010 By BBC Sport

Mali international striker Mamady Sidibe has signed a new deal with Stoke City, which will keep him at the Britannia Stadium until 2012.Sidibe, who signed for the Potters in 2005 and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2008, was out of contract in the summer.

"The fans and the players appreciate him," first-team coach Mark O'Connor told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We're really pleased that he's signed for another couple of years."

Sidibe has often been criticised for his lack of goals, having averaged around one in every six games during his time with Stoke, but O'Connor believes he offers more than just a scoring threat.

"I think Mama gets frustrated, he's a centre forward and he wants to score, but he gives so much more for the team," he added.

"He might not be getting 20 a season, but he's still capable of scoring goals."

Sidibe missed around eight months of football after suffering cruciate ligament damage in a reserve game in March 2009.

The former Gillingham and Swansea striker has made 10 Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport