End of Year Message

COLERAINE chairman Colin McKendry has published an end of year message as the Bannsiders prepare to enter 2021…

Dear Supporters:

I would like to take this opportunity in wishing our fans, players, management staff, coaches, volunteers and sponsors a Happy New Year.

The previous twelve months have been extremely difficult off the pitch with COVID-19 and all the uncertainties, and whilst we aren’t out of the woods just yet, I have taken immense pride as to how the club has conducted themselves with all the protocols and everything else in place.

It is a shame that we have missed out on your support in terms of full attendances throughout the season, as well as the fixtures on Boxing Day and December 29, but we can’t wait to welcome you all at The Showgrounds once it is safe to do so.

2020 has given us some incredible memories like the Irish Cup tie against Larne, ending a 33-year wait to lift the League Cup and going through two rounds in Europe. The wins against La Fiorita and Maribor will live with our support for a long time and we certainly made a good go of it against Motherwell. It is just a shame we couldn’t finish out the Premiership campaign as I’m sure we would have given Linfield a run for their money.

Oran and the players are continuing to work hard to bring further success, and whilst injuries and suspensions are part and parcel of football, I’ve no doubt we would be nearer the top of the table had we had a fully fit squad at our disposal. We have looked like ourselves in recent weeks and with the return of some key players and the signing of Matthew Shevlin, I’m excited to see what lies ahead.

I would also like to pay tribute to the coaches, parents and volunteers within our Youths sections and a special word of praise for the U16 squad who won their respective league title last season.

Furthermore, I would like to thank all of our volunteers, Board of Directors and sub committees who help the club function on a daily and weekly basis. We are totally blessed to have a fantastic team of volunteers who simply want the best for Coleraine Football Club.

Unfortunately we have lost several members of the Coleraine family this year, most recently Club President Andy Magowan, and our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends. It is my hope that 2021 will be much more positive and we can look forward to brighter days ahead.

Stay safe and thanks for reading:

Colin McKendry