Bamba keen for Kenny

"It is the players who need to play not the manager. Everything is OK with him, we just need to work hard and do more. We play well but just need more confidence.

At times during the UEFA cup tie in the Ullevi Stadium it looked like Sol Bamba wanted to win the game single handed. His effort was indeed 110% but in the end he was left in the same disappointed state as the 1000+ travelling support. He laid as the major cause of the European exit the fact that the Pars conceded a goal at home to the Swedish First Division side.

"We had to score away because we lost a goal at home, it was very disappointing."

Sol felt that the harsh sending off of Jim Hamilton had played a major effect on the outcome of the game.

"I don't know what happened, I just think Hammy spoke bad to the referee and it is hard because we played four games and four sending offs. We have to end the game with 11 men." Switching quickly to focus on the next important match the Ivory Coast Olympic squad captain added "hopefully we can finish the game with 11 men and win the game on Sunday".

The big central defender was still cheerful in defeat, delighted to reflect on his extended contract at East End Park. "There was so much speculation for my future but now I sign for two years more and I am happy." He talked about all the speculation there had been over his future "no, it's football. When I played for PSG as well I got the same situation. I just focus about my football now and I am happy to sign now everything is clear in my head."

This is all something that no-one could have believed after the pre-season reports that Sol Bamba had played his last game for Dunfermline Athletic. Sol admitted "that is what I thought but it was a mistake. Now everything is clear in my head and I just want to play football. I am still young so I just need to play football."

The decision to reverse his summer thoughts appear to come after discussions with his agent, his father, his family and his girlfriend Celine who wanted to stay in Scotland as well. "It was just a mistake, but I now I know about my future."

The very positive reaction from the Pars supporters to Sol's new contract has reassured him that his decision has been the correct one. "I have never had a problem with Dunfermline fans. Fans are happy when you stay and angry when you want to leave. Team mates were very good with me and said 'do what you want to do, stay if you want to stay'."

Sol was unaware of the silly and disruptive pre match speculation regards Manager Stephen Kenny's future at Dunfermline but jokingly added his relief at the Manager's dismissal of rumours:-

"I hope so, because I signed a new contract for him! He is a good manager, it is the players who need to play not the manager. Everything is OK with him, we just need to work hard and do more. We play well but just need more confidence. Last week we won our first match in the First Division so I think our confidence is high and we need to prepare well for the next game on Sunday."