French ace hopes to earn himself Dover deal

LASSANA SIDIBE is brushing up his English as he gets to grips with the lingo - but the French ace intends to let his football do most of the talking, writes Justin Allen.

Sidibe, 21, has joined Ryman Premier League champions Dover Athletic on trial until the end of the season after his brother, Stoke and former Gillingham striker Mamady, recommended he hook up with boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Now he is hoping that Hess may work the same magic on his fledgling football career as he did with his brother - who turned from a Gillingham hopeful to a Premier League star.

The Parisian made an instant impact for the Whites, coming on as a second-half sub at Heybridge Swifts to set up Shaun Welford's equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

He told www.doverathletic.com: "I'm delighted to be here with Douvres," still pronouncing the town name in French.

"The club is very good and people friendly. Everybody has made me feel welcome.

"I'm here because of Andy Hessenthaler. My brother was with him at Gillingham and told me he was a very good manager who helped him become a better player.

"Hopefully I can impress enough to earn a contract in the summer. That is my short-term target.

"And then, naturally, I want to develop into a better player - and I hope Andy Hessenthaler can help me."

Lassana, who has attracted much interest from Football League and Blue Square Premier clubs, has played much of his football in Holland.

But he added: "I've always wanted to play in England. The football is very good and exciting here - and I hope that I can be a big success at Dover Athletic."

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering Saturday's home game against Boreham Wood - the day that the club receive their Ryman Premier League crown.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com