Interview

No Hesitation

COLERAINE defender Stephen O’Donnell insists signing a new contract with the club was a pretty straightforward decision…

The club captain has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract extension that will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The ex-Institute ace has made 95 appearances for the club and has lifted the Irish Cup and League Cup during his stay at The Showgrounds.

“I’m delighted to get the deal done,” O’Donnell said.

“Once Oran spoke to me about extending my stay, it was a quick turnaround and everything was agreed there and then as it was such an easy decision.

“I love being at Coleraine as we have a great group of players, staff and Board of Directors who make sure we are well looked after.

“I’m immensely proud to have been here for three years and I’m excited for the next three.”

The ex-QPR trainee admits he couldn’t have envisaged how well the club have done since he joined in May 2017.

“To be honest, I didn’t see the high level of success coming but the club had just reached an Irish Cup final before I signed and were working towards that,” he added.

“We are now on an upward path as we have won the Irish Cup, League Cup, finished runners-up twice and qualified for Europe on two occasions that I’ve been here.

“Obviously being appointed club captain was an honour and beyond my expectations.

“However, we have an exciting, young team full of talent and I’m sure we will equally be as successful.”

O’Donnell was sidelined for parts of last season with a calf injury but the 27-year-old spoke of his hunger to make up for lost time.

“I think the word hunger will define my season,” he continued.

“I had a calf injury last season and I missed parts of the campaign which was disappointing.

“However, I’m now feeling good, doing extra sessions and I have that hunger and excitement to get going.”

The Bannsiders turn their attentions to this Thursday’s Europa League clash against La Fiorita and O’Donnell insists it is a ‘massive week’ for the club.

“It is a big week for everyone connected with Coleraine Football Club,” he concluded.

“We are under no illusions about how important a game it is for us.

“We are looking forward to it and we are hopeful of getting a positive result against a decent side.”