First Senior Appointment

THE Board of Coleraine FC has made its first major appointment since the recent sale was announced…

Simon Magee has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and took up his position from yesterday (March 19).

Mr Magee has been the club’s Finance Director since 2017 and has played a significant role in the discussions with the new owners, Bannsiders Holdings Limited.

Making the announcement, Chairman Colin McKendry said: “We are really pleased to announce that Simon has been able to take up this role. He has worked tirelessly for the past 12 months to ensure that everything was in place from the club’s perspective to complete the sale.

“As Finance Director, Simon helped the Board to steer the club through COVID and ensure that we remained strong financially. He has a clear vision for the development of the club as a full-time organisation and is, in opinion of the Board, perfectly placed to steer Coleraine FC into this next and exciting phase of its history.”

Mr Magee is a chartered accountant with a strong practice based in Ballymoney. He is a lifelong Bannsider following in his father and brother’s footsteps.

Mr Magee said: “Coleraine FC is at the start of a great journey and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead this project. My role will be to bring to life the vision and strategy of the Board. This will include a successful transition to a full-time playing model starting in the next off-season. We also need to work across a whole range of areas to ensure that the club is a sustainable, healthy and successful organisation. It is important to me that the club that serves the Causeway Coast and Glens and that the whole community can support and be proud of.

Speaking on behalf of Bannsiders Holdings, the new owners of the club, Ranald McGregor-Smith commented: “Patrick Mitchell and I have come to know Simon very well over the past few months and he has impressed us with his knowledge, vision, and also his passion for the club. We recognise the importance of this appointment and have great confidence that he can drive the changes that we all want to see in an efficient and timely manner whilst not disturbing the true spirit of the Bannsiders.”