Gills chief's parting shot at Sidibe

Last updated : 23 June 2005 By Simon Head

Sidibe: Felt he could get a better offer elsewhere - and did

Sidibe, who chose not to accept the club's offer of a new contract, became a free agent a couple of weeks ago - and on Wednesday became Stoke City's first signing of the summer.

"We offered Mama a very good contract and I was given assurances that he would sign," said Scally of his former striker.

"Considering we made him a better player and gave him the opportunity to enhance his career, I'm disappointed and appalled at the manner in which they have conducted themselves.

"You would have thought that because he was part of the team that was relegated he would have stuck around to help us in our quest for an immediate return to the Championship.

"Due to the fact that relegation was principally due to the lack of goals, of which he contributed two, I feel that he had a lot to prove to himself and the supporters."

Scally: Concentrating on committed players

Scally will now concentrate his attentions on those players who will don the blue shirt of Gillingham this season.

"I have nothing further to say about players who leave this club," Scally told the official club website.

"From now, all my efforts will be focused on signing players who want to pull on a Gills shirt and play for Gillingham Football Club.

"Supporters can be assured that this is my immediate priority, as I hope to provide manager Neale Cooper with the tools he needs to give us a fighting chance of promotion.

"With the right players at the Club and the vocal support I'm sure we will get from our supporters, I have no doubt that we will enjoy a very exciting season."