AFTER being named by several other players in their All-Time Coleraine XI, it was just right that we asked Tommy McCallion for his…

Tommy is no stranger to The Showgrounds as he made a total of 242 appearances, scoring 26 times in the process across three different spells.

It is fair to say that the midfielder played with a host of different names and characters during his three different tenures in blue and white – but who makes the cut?

TOMMY’S COLERAINE XI

GK: Davy O’Hare/Wes Lamont

RB: Stewart Clanachan

Easy one here. Stuart Clanachan; friend, incredible player and all-round proper footballer. The game misses players like Stu. His character, his intensity and not to forget his ability which often gets forgotten. If you ever needed a character and great player rolled into one, well, that is Stu.

CB: Stuart McLean

One of the Scottish contingents along with Alan Ewing, Derek Cook and Mark McWalter. He was a brave, hard, no-nonsense defender. In a period at the club with little to shout about and get excited he was one that stood out for me. Not so bright off the field and a real joker in the dressing room that did pranks you wouldn’t dare do today!

CB: Paul Gaston/Kyle McVey

I am leaving it a coin toss up between my two Coleraine team-mates; Paul Gaston and Kyle McVey. Both had quality, both with great pride in playing for their hometown club and who often did not get the recognition I felt they deserved – but which they got from their former team-mates. Would have no problem picking both on any game day, and being honest ‘Gacky’ could play up top if needed also.

LB: Stephen Beatty

One from the past I would like to mention, and down to the fact he was so good to me as a young player, was Stevie Campbell, the former Dundee left-back. Quality on the ball and stood out as a great professional and the type of player I would tend to gravitate to over my career.

Also of note, and one of the best players I got to know in a short period of time was Stephen Beatty. A glorious, cultured player with a left foot that everyone was envious of.  I will probably give Stephen the selection here as he was someone I loved to watch at his time at Linfield and respected how he conducted himself in and around the dressing room with other players.

RM: Paul Carlyle

A no brainer for me. In his first year at Coleraine he was literally unplayable. Admittedly biased as he was my favourite player at Derry City so you can imagine how I felt to be playing with him and to be car sharing with him. Treated me so kindly and went the extra mile to look after me, a lesson learned to never forget how to treat young players during my career. On the training ground and on the pitch – he was pure quality. He played on the edge, forward thinking and on the attack, something that Is so missing in today’s game.

CM: Pat McAllister

Although I only played one year with Packie it was one I remember so well. I struck up a great understanding with him and I respected his no-nonsense approach and his steely approach. Let’s not forget he could also play. A character also in the dressing room but had a brilliant attitude in training and left everything on the pitch. A type of player that we unfortunately see less of and would add to the current squad no doubt.

CM: Gareth Tommons/John Neill/Johnny Watt

There are a few I would like to mention in this position over my times at Coleraine. Gareth Tommons came in from Limavady and one I felt had great potential to make an impact at the club but unfortunately and for reasons I don’t know failed to get the opportunities he deserved. A really good person and a technically good player with a great attitude. John Neill, Coleraine through and through and all round good guy. Loved playing with him and to be fair I did scream at him a lot (Sorry big J). And lastly Tussy. Hard as nails, played for the shirt and thrived playing for his local club which isn’t always easy.

LM: Stephen Carson

Just loved my years playing with Stephen Carson. We became close friends immediately, driven, will to win and what a talent who played for the shirt. His loyalty to the club needs to be recognised because he could have left at so many stages. Despite his frustrations at the direction of the club, he turned up when needed and was the one player who had everyone in the crowd on the edge of their seat. Gifted, professional, great trainer and kind person, what more can I say about him.

FW: Darren Henderson

When you consider the level and types of goals he scored and the career he had and the clubs he has also played with then he deserves that spot. Quick, brave, scored in and out of the box and worked tirelessly. Great person too and one I always found respectful and professional.

FW: Mark McWalter/Derek Cook

Again, another spot that I need to sit on the fence with. Mark McWalter and Derek Cook both came to Coleraine as the infamous Scottish crew but both delivered goals in teams that struggled and Cookie in particular was frozen out and went on to enjoy a great spell at Glentoran FC.

I must take the chance to remember Gordy Patton. In my final stint back at Coleraine he came in as a young player under Marty Quinn, took on the role of main striker and performed so well. Did not achieve the potential he naturally had but like his uncle Davy, players and people I remember fondly and gone too soon.