17/12/09

Christmas has come early for Rooks fans following the shock return of Lewes legend Jean-Michel Sigere to the Dripping Pan.

Lewes manager Steve Ibbitson announced Sigere's signing this afternoon and is hopeful that the player's registration will go through in time for the Eastleigh game on Saturday.

Sigere originally joined Lewes in 2005 and became the club's top scorer the following season, making a total of 95 appearances before leaving at the end of the BSS Championship-winning season in 2008, having become a fan's favourite during his three year stay.

Ibbitson said: "He's not been playing regularly and it will take a few weeks to get him match fit, but I've a feeling that he will become a very important player for us this season."

However, Ibbitson commented: "We've not suddenly found a pot of gold to pay for him though and I'll need to look at making savings in other areas. The club's finances are still in a perilous state."

One player going the other way, although unconnected to the arrival of Sigere, is winger Ryan Storrie. The youngster requested to leave yesterday and Ibbitson reluctantly agreed to let him go.

Storrie has been with the club as a youth player and made the step up to the first team this season, although he has become increasingly frustrated at the lack of playing opportunities.

Speaking about Storrie's decision to leave, Ibbitson said: "I certainly didn't want to see him go, but at his age he said that he wanted to play more football and I completely understand that."

"I reluctantly agreed because I always felt he was a player for the future, but I'd like to thank him for his services to the club and certainly wish him well for the future."