“Alan will never be forgotten”

COLERAINE FC is saddened to learn of the passing of our Chief Safety Officer and esteemed friend Alan McLean…

Alan sadly passed away last night following illness and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sorrow time.

The Coleraine native was a popular figure at The Showgrounds and was a volunteer for over 16 years before being appointed as Chief Safety Officer in 2017.

Alan was also the Chairman of the Wes Gregg Coleraine Supporters’ Club for a lengthy period of time and was always on hand to help home and away supporters safely navigate their way around the Ballycastle Road.

Coleraine Chairman, Colin McKendry, paid tribute to Alan and remarked that he will never be forgotten for his endless volunteer work.

“Alan was a gentleman and a passionate Coleraine supporter, who done a great job for the club,” he said.

“He stood up and took responsibility in our hour of need and that should never be forgotten.

“He was a great man, a great servant to the club and he will be greatly missed by all.

“On behalf of everyone involved at Coleraine FC, I would like to send my condolences to his family at this time.”

Chris Gray, who is the Chief Steward at the club, outlined that Alan’s attention to detail made him get the best out of those he worked with.

“Alan was a tremendous servant as he was involved for 16 years, first under Derek Stewart and then Ivor Wallace, before progressing to the top job in 2017,” he added.

“Alan was a classic car enthusiast but his greatest love was Coleraine.

“We talked every other day about Coleraine, new safety regulations, new radios, call signs and to make Coleraine stewards stronger and the best volunteers in the league.

“His attention to detail was second to none, a straight shooter who treated all the same but knew how to get the best from people.

“He had a wicked sense of humour and would hammer you if he had something on you as his son Mark and I can frequently recall.”

Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney insists that Alan will be ‘sorely missed’ around the club.

“Alan epitomised what Coleraine is all about,” he said.

“He was a grafter and he did everything in his role to the letter of the law.

“More importantly, he was a really good guy and will be sorely missed.”

The Club can confirm that a minute’s silence will be held before today’s kick-off against Portadown, with players wearing black armbands in memory of a Coleraine stalwart.