Getting to know Adama Sidibeh

Adama Sidibeh was Craig Levein’s final signing of the January transfer window and already during his short spell at the club he has shown glimpses of being a talent in the final third.

The Gambian-born striker moved to Perth from English Northern Premier League side Warrington Rylands on the final day of the window to bolster Saints’ attacking options - and to many he was a surprise addition.

Sidibeh has made a handful of appearances from the bench during his time at the club so far and last weekend he was handed his first start by manager Levein at Dens Park against Dundee.

The 25-year-old is now beginning to settle into life at McDiarmid Park and sat down to talk about his career so far and his aspirations for his time ahead in Perth.

Tell us a bit about your football career so far?

“I started playing football in Gambia when I was young. I started playing at a team called Soccer Boys and I worked my way up.

“Then a first division team signed me, one of the biggest teams in Gambia, called Marimoo. I played with them and I was their top goal scorer.

“I then moved to another team called Gambia Ports. I played there for half a season, then I moved over to the UK as my family were here.

“I have been here for around two years now. I was looking for a team and I got a trial with Cheadle Heath Nomads in the North West Counties League Division One South.

“I played there for half a season, scored 20 goals and then I moved to Warrington. I spent eight months there and scored 16 goals and then I got my move to Saints.”

Did you start playing football at a young age?

“When I started playing as a kid I was a goalkeeper! Then I wanted to get up front to see what it was like.

“I scored something like five goals in 20 minutes and everyone was thinking: ‘wow, this position is good for him’.

“Every training session I was scoring goals, so when I was little I decided to change my position and become a striker. I started playing, scoring goals and never looked back.

“I told my mum I wanted to play football but she wanted me to be a mechanic like my dad.

“I said ‘mum, I want to play football’ and she would say ‘no you are going to be a mechanic like your dad’.

“I then started to prove myself that I was good enough to play football and she started supporting me a lot. And from there I haven’t looked back.”

Tell us about your time at Warrington?

“When I moved to Warrington I spoke to the manager and he was really helpful with everything.

“I started training with them twice a week and I was having a fun time.

“I worked really hard on my fitness and that has helped me a lot. When I play up top I do my job and I run and run. I then try to help the team by scoring goals.

“I have always had belief in myself. When I started out everyone would say ‘what is this guy doing here at this level?’

“You need to start somewhere so everyone can see you. I started scoring goals and then proved that I can play higher than this level.

“When Warrington had days off, I was always doing my own work in the gym. I was doing part-time training with my manager too.

“I always want to work on my fitness and make myself the best player I can be.”

How did it feel when St Johnstone came calling?

“I was so happy when the manager phoned me. He told me it was a big opportunity and said I would need to work hard because this is a top level.

“He said I can test myself at St Johnstone and it is a platform to show what I am all about.

“I had a few other clubs that were interested in me but, when I heard St Johnstone were interested, I jumped at the opportunity.

“I spoke to my manager at Warrington and said, listen, this is a big opportunity for me. I didn’t want to miss it.

“He understood my situation and I appreciate that. I then made the move and it was just a ‘wow’ moment for me.”

And how has life been at Saints so far?

“It was good initially to be on the bench to see how the team plays and the style of play the manager is looking for. That helped me a bit.

“The last game against Dundee I didn’t score but I will keep working hard to get goals.

“I was really desperate to score so I could go to the fans to show them love and energy, but it is coming. The support gave me more energy to do extra and I wanted to make them happy.

“I want to help the team, try to get top six and ultimately make the fans proud and happy when I am at St Johnstone. I will give everything.

“I will be really excited if I have the chance to play against Rangers.”