Doc’s Decision

COLERAINE FC is pleased to announce that Ben Doherty has signed a two-year contract extension…

The midfielder has committed his future to the club until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The 23-year-old joined the club in January 2019 and has made 60 appearances, scoring 24 times in the process.

Doherty has been a firm fans’ favourite during his time at The Showgrounds and he was named as the NIFWA Player of the Month in October last year.

Boss Oran Kearney admits Doherty has played a massive part in the Bannsiders’ success over the last year and believes his versatility is a major plus for the squad.

“We are not big in numbers in terms of our squad but what we do have is a lot of quality,” he said.

“We have been working hard not only about today and what’s straight in front of us, but also in the long-term.

“Ben – like Jamie Glackin – has been a massive part in the success over the last year or so and hopefully will be a huge part of the success moving forward.

“It’s testament as you don’t get players like that who are all versatile as Ben played right midfield, left midfield, as a number 10 and upfront for spells against Glentoran.

“Although we only have a squad of 20 players, when you have players like that, you have that feel of 23 or 24 players due to their versatility.”

Doherty highlighted the strong team bond at The Showgrounds and hopes to add to his medal haul during the next three years.

“I’m delighted to get it over the line, and to be honest, it didn’t take very long,” he continued.

“A few days ago, Oran and I had a chat about how the club is progressing and I was more than happy to sign.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and I feel like I am contributing with goals and assists.

“I have a good relationship with the fans, the management staff and there is a real togetherness amongst the squad.

“I want to be a part of that as we are challenging for trophies and there’s not much point looking elsewhere when you have everything you want here.”