versatility made him the manager's preferred defensive substitute. For the next couple of years, he was used irregularly. Coach Mark Bowen cited a lack of confidence, and a long-standing problem with concentration, as leading to inconsistency of performance; though the player's own determination to combat the problem led him to encourage the coaching staff to keep shouting at him during the game to maintain his concentration levels. In addition, he underwent laser eye surgery to deal with the problems caused by wearing contact lenses for football. He sometimes struggled badly against quick, tricky players, but always gave of his best when given an opportunity. In September 2005, he signed a new three-year contract, reflecting his value to the squad despite not having been a first-choice player at any time since his injury in 2002. Restored to the starting lineup as a replacement for Mario Melchiot, his determination and enthusiasm, typified in a man-of-the-match performance against Chelsea, did much to lift the team and supporters during their ultimately unsuccessful fight against relegation. He began the 2006–07 season in the starting eleven, but Radhi Jaïdi, Bruno Ngotty, Martin Taylor and Stephen Kelly were all preferred, and Tébily made his final first-team appearance for Birmingham in October 2006. His contract, which was due to expire at the end of the season, was paid up on 14 January 2008, and he became a free agent after nearly six years at the club. Toronto FC After a period spent training with them, Tébily signed for Major League Soccer team Toronto FC on 24 April 2008. Head coach John Carver believed his team would be improved by the player's versatility, as shown by his ability to play both in the centre of defence and on the right. He played four matches for the club, but an ankle injury disrupted his career, and he was released on 31 July 2008 because he wanted to be closer to his family in France. International career According to RSSSF, Tébily represented the France national under-21 football team ("Les Espoirs") at the 1997 Mediterranean Games, being sent off in a 3–0 defeat by Greece. However Le Télégramme reported that Tébily had been withdrawn from the squad on the eve of the tournament, to be replaced by Stéphane Pichot of Laval. Personal life After retirement, Tébily decided to spend this second life to realize his long time dream to become the first