“Fond memories” for Skinner

EOIN Bradley has expressed his gratitude to everyone at Coleraine FC after the striker’s departure from the club…

Bradley’s time at the club comes to an end after 222 appearances across two spells, scoring 55 times in the process.

‘Skinner’ remarked that he has enjoyed his time at The Showgrounds and that there is no ill-feeling towards anyone at the club.

“To be honest, I thought I was staying on and I still feel good enough to play but Oran has always given younger players a chance and we have the likes of Matthew Shevlin and Kirk McLaughlin at the club who could play for the next ten years,” he said.

“The new signings give Oran a host of options and I might not have played as much as I would’ve liked anyway.

“It’s just one of those things where it didn’t work out but I have nothing but fond memories of my time at the club and there were no fall-outs with anybody or anything like that.

“I have made friends for life at the club and I’m sure that strong bond will continue.”

The 38-year-old added his thanks to everyone involved at the club for their support during his five-and-a-half years on the Ballycastle Road.

“I have had hundreds of messages from people connected to the club but I realise I can’t go on forever and that’s life,” he continued.

“Of course, I’m disappointed to leave but nobody has died and I’ll be keeping in touch with everyone.

“I was treated well by the Board, staff, players and fans, and it was a very successful time as we won the Irish Cup, League Cup and played in Europe.

“I’ve had three or four phone calls from different clubs but I’m going away next week for a wee break and I’ll think about all that then.

“I still want to play in the top flight and be involved in football, as well as obtaining my coaching badges.”