He who Ders

CONOR McDermott insists he is looking forward to the season getting underway as the Bannsiders face Cliftonville tomorrow afternoon…

After signing in the summer from the Reds, McDermott is set to lock horns with his former team-mates after spending three years at Solitude.

However, after penning a two-year deal with his new employers, the 24-year-old was thankful for how well he has been welcomed by everyone at the club.

“Pre-season is all about getting 90 minutes into the legs and that togetherness in the changing room,” he said, after the Bannsiders’ 4-1 pre-season victory against Ards last weekend.

“I’ve done a bit of work myself over pre-season and I’ve trained with the team over the last couple of weeks, but I definitely feel fit enough to play.

“I’ve settled in well to life at Coleraine.

“The boys in the changing room have been brilliant and I have to say thanks to everyone around the club because when I first came here, I felt that love and it’s important to start on the right foot.”

A record number of season tickets have been sold ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and McDermott hopes that he and his team-mates can use that to their advantage.

“It’s going to be a special day as it’s the opening day of the season,” he added.

“However, I’m a Coleraine player now so I’ll have to do the business for Coleraine and hopefully we can get the win.

“The Coleraine fans are always great, they make is hostile for visiting players and they certainly make you know it.

“Thankfully, I’ve got them on my side this time which is brilliant and important for us.”