OK pays tribute to “one hell of a servant”

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney insists Ian Parkhill’s career at the club will always be remembered following the expiry of his contract…

The winger has departed the club after eight years at The Showgrounds and will continue his career at Moyola Park.

‘Parky’ signed for the club in the summer of 2014 and made his debut against Ballinamallard United on August 9 of the same year.

In total, the Ballymoney man made 266 appearances for the club, scoring 28 times in the process.

The former Tobermore United player also lifted the Irish Cup and League Cup trophies during his time on the Ballycastle Road and netted in the penalty shoot-out win against NK Maribor in the Europa League.

Kearney reflected on Parkhill’s contribution both on and off the pitch and admits he will be missed around the changing room.

“Ian had a fantastic career at Coleraine,” he stated.

“He was a late comer into the league but his ability to play at this level was never in question.

“The penny dropped when he was around 22 or 23-years-old and he’s been one hell of a servant since then.

“He epitomised everything that’s good about the club and he was with us when we were at the bottom of the league and when we were up challenging.

“He is loved both in and out of the changing room, he is held in such high esteem by his team-mates and I know he was a fans’ favourite.

“I wish him all the best at Moyola Park and we would like to thank him for his contribution.”