McCready: ‘I have learned a lot from Jamie McGonigle’

JOE McCready is the latest summer signing to answer questions on how he is settling into life at The Showgrounds…

Q1. When you signed back in August, surely you couldn’t have imagined the start Coleraine have made to the league season?

No, to be honest, I couldn’t. However, I knew we had a very good team and were no mugs, but I don’t even think the most diehard Coleraine fan could have predicted the start we’ve made. It’s been unreal, but it’s just the start.

Q2. It took you a while before landing a starting spot in the team. Was it a case of frustration, or simply Jamie McGonigle and Eoin Bradley were in such good form?

I didn’t expect to come in and walk straight into the team and if I’m honest I didn’t really know what to expect, but the two boys, Jamie and Skinner were doing really well so I had bide my time and wait for an opportunity. Unfortunately, my chance has came via an injury to a very important player.

Q3. You have scored 4 goals already this season. Are you pleased with this return given your appearances? Have you set any targets?

As a striker you always want to score, so I would be lying if I said I was happy with my tally so far. I’ll happily sacrifice scoring goals if it means the team keeps winning, but obviously as a striker we are all greedy and want to score. As for targets, I have a target that I have to get, but I’ll keep that to myself.

Q4. Talk us through the winner against Cliftonville in front of the Coleraine fans? Was it your best feeling since joining the club?

The winner against Cliftonville was a special day for us all. I think that was the day that everyone expected our run to end. We didn’t even perform that well either, which made it even sweeter. Like Oran said we were all 6/10 performance wise, but our effort in the second half was one of the best he’s seen. It was pleasing to get the winner in front of our fans who never ever let us down, they have been unbelievable this season.

Q5. What’s it like to play with Jamie McGonigle?

‘Jamie McGoniGOAL’ as we call him LOL… Everyone knows his quality, he’s a very important player for us and is showing that in the games he’s played this season. He’s been a real talisman for us in recent weeks and I’m glad he’s playing for us. As strange as this might sound because I’m a few years older than him, I do learn from Jamie as he’s played in the Irish League a lot longer than me, so it’s all good.

Q6. Our media team have given you the nickname #McCreadyMagic – what’s your verdict?

‘McCreadyMagic’ – the boys are starting to give me some stick about this now and even big Stephen O’Donnell is starting to call me ‘Joe the Goal’. With only 4 goals, I don’t think I merit that nickname yet, so I’m happy enough with ‘McCreadyMagic’.