My Bannsiders XI

My Bannsiders XI

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

I have been a supporter since 2003 and became a season ticket holder two years later. I am a former member of Railway Enders CSC, and a current member of Spirit of 74 CSC. I have travelled to Norway and Serbia for European games, also been to Stranraer twice and Ayr. My favourite player of all time is Stephen Carson, with my favourite game being away to Shamrock Rovers in the Setanta Cup.

Goalkeeper:

Chris Johns 

Chris is quite simply the best keeper I’ve seen during my time supporting the club and he is one of the best in the league currently in my opinion.

Defenders:

Lyndon Kane 

Lyndon has supported the club his whole life. Would probably have moved on to bigger things but for his injury. Quality player. Hopefully can get a bit of luck.

Gareth McAuley

Didn’t see a lot of Big G in a Coleraine shirt but will never forget THAT goal v Portadown in 2004. Has gone on to have a brilliant career at club and international level.

Paul Gaston

Captain fantastic. A one club man who would have ran through a brick wall for Coleraine. Often popped up with important goals too.

Gerry Flynn

Gerry was brilliant. Could get up and down with his pace, brilliant left foot.

Midfielders:

Stephen Dooley

Dooley was absolutely outstanding the season he made a breakthrough at 17 or 18 years of age and torturing full backs week in week out. Think JP Gallagher is still hanging out the back of his pocket.

Eunan O’Kane

Technically speaking, one of the best players I’ve ever seen wear the Stripes. He was a step ahead of everyone on the pitch. His performance in front of the Sky cameras v Glenavon was outstanding and ultimately earned him another crack at full time football.

Brad Lyons

Brad had everything. One of very few box to box midfielders you’d see at this level. He could sit in front of the back four, could pull the strings in the middle of the park and could play in behind the striker. He had everything.

Stephen Carson

In his prime, the best player in the Irish League. He knew how to get the crowd excited with his mazy runs out wide. Brilliant with both feet. My favourite player.

Strikers:

Rory Patterson

Definitely the best striker I’ve seen in my time. Every time he touched the ball you expected it to go into the net. To go to the Oval and score four against the league champions that year was special.

Jody Tolan

Jody was quality and knew where the net was. Will always be remembered for that cup final goal. Came back and did a great job later in his career also

Credible Mention:

Pat McAllister

I’ll always remember him for his Cup final performance in 03 and people talk about his game all the time, but unfortunately, Packie at his best was before my time!