Defender looking forward to Whaddon Road return
Sido Jombati has promised to salute Cheltenham Town’s fans as he makes his first Whaddon Road return on Saturday.
The Portuguese right-back was a hugely popular figure during his three seasons with the Robins and he has made an outstanding start to life at new club Wycombe Wanderers.
Jombati signed a two-year deal with the Chairboys in the summer after leaving Cheltenham and he believes he is playing some of his best football yet for Gareth Ainsworth’s side.
“This season has been excellent so far, apart from Monday night’s match against Burton when we lost 3-1,” Jombati said.
“We have some good players and I knew in pre-season we had a chance of achieving something.
“Nobody expected us to be up in the top three and the first aim was not to be relegated, but we have energy, our fitness levels are very high and that allows us to press teams high up the pitch.
“I am looking forward to the rest of the season because things have gone very well for me here.”
Jombati joined Cheltenham from Bath City in 2011 on the recommendation of ex-Robins midfielder Lee Howells, who was then assistant manager at Twerton Park.
He was named supporters’ player of the year at the end of his first season, helping Cheltenham reach the play-off final at Wembley and earn an FA Cup third round tie at Tottenham.
“Cheltenham was where my professional career started and I will always be grateful for that opportunity,” Jombati said.
“I always gave my best for the club and I think the fans noticed so we had a good relationship.
“I’ve had a lot of messages on social media and I will give the fans a wave because I had a great time there.”
Jombati has stayed in touch with many of his old team mates, including Byron Harrison and Craig Braham-Barrett as well as senior sports therapist Ian Weston and goalkeeping coach Steve Book.
“I am looking forward to going back to Cheltenham and seeing some familiar faces,” he said.
“There were a lot of highlights during my time there, with the play-offs two years in a row and I will never forget going on for my debut when we were 2-0 down at Northampton and we ended up winning 3-2.
“Cheltenham beat Swindon 5-0 at home recently and that is not just a League One team, it is one of the best League One teams,” he said.
“People are telling me Byron is on form and we know it’s going to be a tough game, but we can’t afford to lose two in a row.”