Signing

Bannsiders secure Dooley’s signature

COLERAINE FC is delighted to announce the signing of Stephen Dooley on a six-month contract with the option of a further year…

It will mark the third spell for the 26-year-old who was a member of Cork City’s double winning squad last season. Coleraine fans will remember his exploits in the Irish Cup semi-final in 2008 and his influence when he joined on a short-term loan deal.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney admits he is ‘ecstatic’ at the news after acquiring Dooley’s services.

“I am ecstatic that Stephen has agreed a move to Coleraine,” Kearney said.

“We have kept close contact the last three or four years and came very close this time last year to signing him. He has trained with us regularly over that period so he knows a lot of the players.

“He is the perfect fit of what we are looking for at the minute, he is local and has always supported Coleraine.

“He wouldn’t play for any other Irish League club and we will look forward to him being available in January.

“I will work closely with Alan Millar and Chris Gregg to make sure he is fresh as he has just finished his season with Cork. He needs an appropriate break to ensure we protect him, before we will integrate him into the squad.”

The Club can confirm that Dooley will wear the number 22 shirt.