Jean-Michel Sigere

Jean-Michel Sigere

Born 26 January 1977 (Age 23 at debut)

Position: Forward

(Diamonds player #130)

Total appearances 40 – 12 goals

(34 League, 2 FA Cup, 2 League Cup, 1 League Trophy, 1 Hillier Senior Cup)

Debut:

8 April 2000 (Away Kidderminster Harriers)

Final game:

29 September 2001 (Away Darlington)

Born in Martinique, Jean-Michel started his career in France with the reserves at Bordeaux, and received a single Under-20 international cap. He failed to make the first team at Bordeaux however, and went on loan to Lusitanos Saint-Maur in 1999. He moved to the UK and signed non-contract forms with Diamonds on 24 March 2000, and after a successful trial period, was signed by manager Brian Talbot on 9 May 2000.

Jean-Michel made his debut as a substitute in the ill-fated game at Kidderminster, and then scored two goals in his first league start at Woking as the Diamonds attempted to put the memories of the Aggborough defeat behind them. After another brace at Welling he was retained for the following season, and helped the Diamonds to win the Football Conference. although his opportunities were limited given the fine form of Justin Jackson and Duane Darby, and he had to spend long periods on the bench.

He went on to make seven appearances in the Football League for the Diamonds before being released. In a five-figure deal which included Simon Wormull, both players joined Conference side Stevenage Borough on 5 October 2001. Following a period at Broadhall Way he was transferred to Margate for £7,500 during their stay in the Conference before enjoying short periods at Hornchurch, Heybridge Swifts and Gravesend & Northfleet. In June 2005, he joined Lewes, where he had the most successful spell of his career, scoring 23 goals in his debut season, but suffered a knee injury the following year which left him sidelined for several months. He went on loan to Horsham as part of his re-habilitation and returned to help Lewes reach the Conference in April 2008. Following the departure of manager Steve King, he left the Rooks and moved to fellow promoted side Eastbourne Borough, but lost his place in the side, joining Horsham again on loan. He was released early in 2009, joining Southern League Premier side Farnborough. On 17 July 2009, he joined Isthmian League Premier side Tonbridge Angels, but after rarely getting in the starting eleven, he re-joined Blue Square South side Lewes on 17 December 2009. He was released at the end of the season, and joined Isthmian Premier side Margate in July, but only played in four pre-season games and one League appearance before departing. He joined Conference South side St.Albans City on 3 September 2010 and scored three goals for the Saints, before leaving on 29 November 2010 to join Isthmian Division One South side Walton & Hersham. He remained there until the end of the season, and joined Isthmian Division One North side Grays Athletic on 16 June 2011. Jean-Michel made 24 appearances for Grays during the season, but joined fellow Isthmian Division One North side Chatham Town on 29 May 2012. On 20 November 2012, Jean-Michel joined Isthmian Division One South side Crawley Down Gatwick. He played there for a while before retiring from the game.

Appearances

1999/2000

2000/2001

2001/2002 – squad number 24