Wigan Thletic signs Uganda Cranes defender Toby Sibbick
July 25, 2024
Toby Sibbick, a defender for the Uganda Cranes, has successfully transferred to Wigan Athletic of the English League, pending clearance from the EFL, FA, and international authorities.
Sibbick leaves Scotland’s Hearts, where he spent 2.5 years, to take a two-year contract with Wigan.
The Ugandan gave a happy speech after signing with Wigan.
“I am very happy to be here. I am looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started.
“I feel like I’ve got different qualities, and I can’t wait to get on the training pitch and get to know the lads.”
Shaun Maloney, his new manager, stated that he has long appreciated the Sibbick.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Toby to our Football Club. Toby is a defender who can play in any central position within the back four and in any of the back three positions.
“I have admired Toby for a long time, and he’s impressed me with his journey in the EFL and Scottish Premiership so far.
“He is a very intelligent footballer who fits the profile we have been looking for. In possession, he has qualities and is an extremely aggressive defender. I am really looking forward to working closely with Toby, and I wish him the best of luck at our Football Club.” Said Maloney
Born and reared in West London, Sibbick progressed through AFC Wimbledon’s junior system before joining the Dons on a professional deal for the first time in August 2016.
Sibbick’s actual first-team breakthrough occurred in the 2018–19 Sky Bet League One season, where he made 31 appearances across all competitions. He had made his senior debut against Peterborough United in April 2017. In the summer of 2019, Sibbick’s impressive form won him a move to the division above with Barnsley, showcasing his versatility and evident quality.
In the first half of the 2019–20 season, he appeared in eighteen Championship games before moving north of the border to begin his first stint with Hearts.
Toby Sibbick made 41 appearances during his first full season in Scotland, playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League and helping Hearts finish fourth. In March of this year, he made his debut for the Uganda Cranes during the international friendly games against Comoros and Ghana. Despite a promising start, his time at Tynecastle was cut short by injury, illness, and a curtailed season due to Covid-19. After a loan stint at Belgian side Oostende, and a return to Barnsley’s first team, Sibbick returned to Hearts in January 2022 on a permanent basis.