Mamady Sidibe has revealed that he almost left Stoke after Tony Pulis was sacked back in 2005 - but is glad he stayed.
Pulis signed the Mali striker on a free transfer from Gillingham in the summer of that year but was shown the door soon afterwards and replaced by Dutch boss Johan Boskamp.
The striker says he almost quit himself after Pulis' departure but is glad he did not as his old boss was brought back a year later.
The rest, they say, is history as both Sidibe, Pulis and Stoke go from strength to strength in the Premier League.
Sidibe told The Sentinel: "It was very difficult. 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.
Not easy
"When Boskamp came, he didn't know anyone in the team. He had to take John Rudge with him to teach him everything, so it was not easy.
"When he came, I told John Rudge I wanted to leave. But Boskamp and Rudge said they wanted me to stay.
"My agent spoke with John Rudge and I stayed. It was a great choice because Tony Pulis came back."
Although he does not score many goals, he has become a fans' favourite thanks to his all out effort for the team.
Sidibe added: "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."
Criticism
Some pundits have criticised Stoke's style of play after scoring many goals via Rory Delap throw-ins.
But Sidibe, who has netted twice for the Potters so far in the Premier League, is not bothered about detractors' opinions.
He said: "People are always saying we are a physical team, but we play football as well.
"Yes, we score lots of goals from throw-ins, but that is part of the game.
"I watch games on TV and see lots of teams using a long throw, but they can't do it like Rory.
"If they could, then they would use it because it is a weapon. It is like a corner or a free-kick. Why not use it if you can score that way?
"People talk about the way we play because of the size of the players we have in this team.
"They can say what they want. The most important thing is we have the points."
www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11701_4572265,00.html
mama i think were all glad you stayed.
