My Bannsiders XI

COLERAINE supporter Adrian Drake was this week tasked to come up with his favourite Bannsiders starting eleven…

When Johnny asked me to pick my all time favourite 11 for Coleraine I went straight back 20+ years ago and started there. Some of the players we had in the 90’s were different class. More recently we’ve been very fortunate to have some great talent come through, O’Kane, Dooley etc it was tough trying to accommodate the golden oldies and some of the more recent players. The 90’s are long gone now but hold so many great memories, games and players.

Goalkeeper:

Davy O’Hare

One of the best shot stoppers in the Irish League. Distribution wasn’t the best at times but saved us on many an occasion.

Defenders:

Stuart Clanachan

An unsung hero in my eyes. Just on got on with the job, no need for fancy haircuts and dodgy tattoos.

Stuart McLean

Excellent centre back, full of commitment and a natural leader.

Gareth McAuley

Made defending in the Irish League look easy. On a different level.

Stevie Campbell

A tough tackling, fully committed fullback. Should’ve played more than one season for us.

Midfielders:

Raymond McCoy

What a fantastic player. Great balance, turn of pace. You paid attention when he was on the ball.

Pat McAllister

How can you describe this man? Midfield colossus, hard as nails, our leader. Club legend.

Tony Gorman

Part of the best midfield partnership I’ve seen at Coleraine. Storming was the proverbial free kick specialist.

Stephen Carson

What a player, great delivery, terrific shot and a model professional. Modern footballers could learn a lesson from Stevie on how to conduct yourself off the pitch.

Strikers:

Rory Patterson

Quite simply prolific. Guaranteed goals. We’ll never witness a goalscorer like him again.

Derek Cook

Perfect target man, strong in the air, decent hold up play.

Credible Mentions:

Wes Lamont
Robbie Brunton
Stephen Lowry