Open Day Thanks

CHAIRMAN Colin McKendry has thanked those who made the Coleraine FC Open Day a magnificent success last Saturday…

Supporters of all ages arrived at The Showgrounds to participate in a wide range of activities, to meet the players and get a first glimpse at the new Avec Sport home kit and leisurewear.

Around 300 season tickets were purchased on the day, with fans also buying leisurewear and pre-ordering their kit for the start of the new season.

McKendry took the opportunity to thank those who planned the event and for the supporters who continue to back the club.

“Approximately 300 season tickets were sold and we are thankful to the fans who turned up for such a brilliant community event,” he said.

“The buzz around The Showgrounds was great and I would like to give those involved a massive pat on the back for making it happen.

“It was extremely productive as it allowed children to meet and greet the players on the pitch, get their photographs taken and receive some autographs.

“We also launched our new Avec Sport leisurewear and first-team strip and we think it looks well.

“We are looking forward to maintaining a good working relationship with Avec over the next three years.

“I would like to thank our sponsors G&H Television Services, Eventsec and North-West Independent Hospital for their continued support, as well as Top of the Town and RiverRidge for coming on board this season.”

The Bannsiders will return to pre-season action this weekend as they cross the Irish Sea to face Stranraer, and McKendry believes the players have returned ‘fully focused’ for the upcoming campaign.

“After we parted company with our former manager, the situation was clear that the backroom staff would prepare the team for pre-season,” Colin added.

“They also arranged a pre pre-season for Alexander Gawne, Aaron Traynor, Aaron Burns and Lyndon Kane so that they can get rehabilitation programmes with Alan Millar and Chris Gregg.

“The players have came back fit, focused and have followed out instructions to the letter.

“As a group, they know they didn’t hit the heights of the year previous and they have a steely determination to do well and fight for their places.!

The club are still looking for a first-team manager but McKendry hopes that the position will be filled within the next seven days.

“We are working hard to get things across the line,” he concluded.

“We are currently negotiating and we hope to make an announcement shortly.

“Hopefully that’ll happen by this weekend, or early next week.”