Credit Graham Burrell
Adama Sidibeh has completed his move to Stockport County from Scottish Championship leaders St Johnstone.
Penning a two-and-a-half year deal with the League One promotion chasers, Sidibeh arrives at the Hatters following a successful stint in Scotland. He is available for selection for their clash with Blackpool this evening.
Eagle-eyed County fans will notice that the number nine shirt remains available at Edgeley Park. Tanto Olaofe has been linked with a return to Cheshire after leaving for the Championship with Charlton Athletic last summer.
Sidibeh’s transfer has been in the pipeline since a deal was agreed last week. The Perth-based outfit had twice turned down bids for their forward from Stockport. Their initial proposition was only £40,000, before County increased their offer to six figures.
Earlier in the window, it was believed that St Johnstone would be unlikely to sell one of their main men in January without a replacement in the building. And despite a fee being agreed, along with the 27-year-old passing his medical, there was further jeopardy over the weekend.
Reports in Scotland indicated the move may fall apart over personal terms. That has resulted in a delay in announcing his signing, but the Gambian has taken great pleasure in completing his move to SK3.
“I’m so excited to be sat here now as a Stockport County player. I can’t wait to get going now, to start my career in the Football League and to play in front of 10,000 fans at Edgeley Park.
“I’ve worked very hard to get to this place in my career since moving to England, and will work even harder now I’m here to help the team as we go for promotion.”
Stockport had fought off interest from Northampton Town to sign the Gambian international, while Lincoln City were also credited with an interest. It was no surprise to see that more EFL clubs were linked with Sidibeh after his performances in the first half of the campaign.
This move completes his rapid rise up the pyramid. Smashing 20 goals down the road at Cheadle Heath Nomads in just half a season, Adama continued his prolific form by bagging 16 times at Warrington Rylands to earn a move to Scotland.
His five goals in the second half of the 23/24 campaign helped keep St Johnstone in the Scottish top-flight. And despite suffering relegation last term, his 13 goal contributions this season drew the attention of Hatters boss Dave Challinor.
“We’re delighted to add Adama to our squad. He’s certainly a late developer to professional football, but I think everyone will see his attitude and desire to make the most of that fact.
“With him being out of contract in the summer, he’s one we’ve fast tracked in order to get him in now, for him to get a clear understanding of how we do things and what we expect from him.”
Stockport Ready For Promotion Fight
The Hatters were many people’s tip for promotion in the summer, and that belief only increased after they saw off Bolton Wanderers on the opening weekend of the season. But this campaign has been far from plain-sailing for Challinor’s outfit, who have struggled for consistency at times.
Four straight October wins saw them top the League One standings, but five defeats in their next ten matches left County hanging on to their Play-Off place. But the Hatters’ current three-game unbeaten streak has catapulted the Cheshire outfit right back into automatic promotion contention.
Stockport head to the Seasiders tonight, six points adrift of the top two spots. And they will be fully aware that at least one of Bradford City and Lincoln City will drop points tonight, as they clash at the LNER Stadium.
This latest statement of intent from the Hatters should send out a warning to their promotion rivals. Challinor will be hoping to avenge last season’s defeat in the Play-Offs by winning promotion this term.
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