New boy eyes fresh start

Last updated : 02 July 2005 By Andy Parsons

The Mauritania-born defender, who can operate at either centre-half or right-back, signed a one-year deal at Hillsborough yesterday after being released by Ipswich Town.

Paul Sturrock is delighted to seal the signing of the Guinea international who was only on the losing side three times for the Suffolk side last season.


But having extensive experience in English football’s second tier, the former
Burnley star Diallo knows that it will not be an easy season.


He said: “The Championship is a tough league and you have to be fully prepared and we have to work hard. Last season we (Ipswich) did well and we were only two points away from automatic promotion, we played West Ham in the play-offs and we didn’t play that well and they deserved to win.”


Diallo, a first-choice regular for Town last season up until December when he snapped tendon in his hamstring, believes his fitness was the main factor of his departure from
Portman Road.


He added: “I was surprised to be released by maybe my injuries made a difference. Last season I played in 25 games but got injured when I was playing well, I came back after a month but then got injured again so I was out of the first team for about three months.


“When I finally came back it was nearly the end of the season. But I have got all my injury worries behind me now and I am looking forward to a new challenge.


“This is a big, big club. I spoke to Shefki Kuqi and he told me that
Sheffield Wednesday was a fantastic club and I am looking forward to working with some new players.”