Brad eyes big things for Bannsiders

BRAD Lyons insists he owes a debt of gratitude to Oran Kearney for developing him into the player he is today…

After giving him his first-team debut at the age of 16, the pair also worked together at Scottish side St Mirren for a six month spell.

It has been a busy few weeks for Lyons as he helped Morecambe secure promotion to League One at Wembley before signing a two-year deal at Kilmarnock.

However, speaking to the News Letter, Lyons was thankful to Kearney for helping him on his journey into senior football.

“He was the one who gave me my opportunity at Coleraine coming through at a young age,” he said.

“It’s not easy for managers to give young players a chance, thankfully he did and he kept faith in me.

“He continued to help me improve, both on and off the pitch.

“I’m forever thankful to Oran. He’s a great manager.”

The Stripes announced last week that Kearney has signed a new three-year deal and Lyons believes that and the redevelopment plans can help springboard Coleraine to further success.

“I’ve worked under him for many years and he helped me develop as a player,” he added.

“For Coleraine to get him tied down to the club for the next few years will only be good for the club.

“It’s absolutely brilliant and hopefully they can build on it.

“For the club to have the 3G pitch secured and such a good manager in Oran things are only looking up.

“Hopefully they can go one better next season and win more silverware and maybe even the league as well.”

The 24-year-old highlighted that his former employers are experiencing an “exciting time” both on and off the pitch.

“I’ve seen the plans for the stadium redevelopment, and with that going ahead along with the 3G pitch it’s an exciting time for the club,” he concluded.

“It’s what Coleraine deserves though. It’s such a great club with great fans and great players it should be going up in the world.

“They are doing that, and hopefully they can start adding more trophies, it’s what the players, coaching staff and fans deserve.”