Interview

Glackin excited to rekindle McAree link-up

JAMIE Glackin insists he is looking forward to getting his Coleraine career up and running as he spoke to Jonathan McNabb last week…

The midfielder put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year deal last month after a spell with Crusaders.

The move will see the Omagh man once again link-up with boss Rodney McAree after the pair worked together at Dungannon Swifts.

“I am glad to get the deal over the line and done,” Glackin said.

“It is a great to work again with Rod as he is a top man and coach and I feel we worked well together at the Swifts.

“He is the right manager for me and he plays football the right way.

“I made my mind up about joining this club a long time ago and it was an easy decision. I can trust Rod and he trusts me so there was no hesitation in signing.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch and helping Coleraine compete for honours.”

The 23-year-old would taste success in the Danske Bank Premiership and County Antrim Shield during his time at Seaview, but felt he needed to move on in order to enjoy playing football again.

“My time at Crusaders was both enjoyable and frustrating,” he added.

“My first year there was great as we won the league and Shield but I felt their style of play never suited me.

“It was hard to get a run of games as you would play one week and then not be involved for three, but that’s football and there are no hard feelings.

“This is why I felt I needed to move on and get a run of games and I think is the right place for me to enjoy my football.”

Glackin believes the Coleraine support can help propel the Bannsiders up the table and hopes his versatility will be a major asset to the first-team squad.

“I’m not just saying this as I’ve just signed but I think Coleraine have the best fans in the league and it was evident last season during the post-split game at Seaview,” he concluded.

“They get right behind their team and that can go a long way in football.

“There is great competition for places here as the midfield has quality options such as Josh Carson, Darren McCauley and Ian Parkhill, but Rodney rewards those who play well with starting shirts.

“I’m very versatile as I can play in the middle of the park, off the right or in behind the striker.

“I just can’t wait to get going and when you look at the table there isn’t many points in it, so hopefully our fans can be the 12th man.”