FORMER Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe has ended his trial with Southend United.

The 34-year-old had been with the Shrimpers for the past week.

But he has now opted to return back north.

“Mamady has left us now,” said Blues boss Phil Brown.

“He’s found it difficult because he lives in Stoke and he has his family and his business there.

“He’s found it hard to tie the two together and Southend was a bit far away for him.

“He said he was impressed with the set up and the regime but he feels as though he could get something closer to home.”