Glackin playing with a smile

colerainefc.com caught up with Jamie Glackin to reflect on his few first months with the Bannsiders…

The midfielder became Rodney McAree’s first arrival after putting pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year deal at the start of the January transfer window and has impressed since his arrival from Crusaders.

The ex-Dungannon Swifts man has made 10 appearances in all competitions and he spoke to Jonathan McNabb about how things are going at The Showgrounds.

Q1. How have you made of your time at Coleraine so far? It must be great to have played so many games?

To be honest, I have loved every minute of it so far.

From the fans, to the players, backroom staff and kitmen, we all get on as one and I feel the club is super passionate and that helps us to drive on as players and bring the best out of everyone.

I’ve become a new person since I came to Coleraine as I’m back to playing with a smile on my face and I’m looking forward going to games on a Saturday feeling excited.

Q2. What’s it like linking up with Rodney McAree again? Has anything changed since your days together at Dungannon Swifts?

Rodney has remained the same since the day and hour that I first met him.

He is football mad and plays and coaches football in the right way.

I never really wanted to leave Dungannon Swifts when he was manager but I just thought I’d give it a go and thankfully it paid off as I won the Irish League and County Antrim Shield with Crusaders.

Q3. You mentioned our fans as being one of the reasons why you signed – have you been impressed by our support so far?

The fans have been absolutely superb and have plenty of songs in the locker – even the drum plays a big part.

Seeing the sheer delight on their faces when we do well and making their weekend is what makes you sign for clubs like Coleraine.

It was great inviting our young supporter Cameron down to training recently who was going through a tough time and little things like that bring so much confidence in a wee boy who will realise when he’s older what to do in that situation for another youngster.

Q4. All that is missing is your first Coleraine goal?

You don’t need to remind me!

However, I’m more than happy if we keep winning and I’m registering assists for other people as that goes a long way for the team and I.

Q5. Rodney brought in a high number of players in January – do you think competition for places is a good thing?

Competition for places is what you need because if you are turning up knowing you’re going to play, then there is no real pressure in how you perform as you’ll play next week no matter the outcome.

Having someone else in your position or having squad versatility pushes you on and that’s what you want as a manager, player and supporter.

Q6. We have an important Irish Cup semi-final against Crusaders on the horizon – you’ll be looking forward to that one?

Any semi-final is important no matter what competition it is.

However, an Irish Cup semi-final is massive and one the club and community will be looking forward too.

I think the fans deserve another day and night out for the shift they put in at Larne as they kept singing their hearts out in the rain.

The players who have been here for the entire cup run deserve some credit as you have to be consistent as a team because you’ll get tests from all clubs whether it’s in the final or the first round.

I’m personally looking forward to it and coming up against my old club will be that bit more exciting and I’m hoping that come after 7pm on March 30, Coleraine and everyone associated with the club will be in yet another Irish Cup final.