Parkhill hails strength in depth

COLERAINE attacker Ian Parkhill spoke to Jonathan McNabb after agreeing a new contract with the club…

The Ballymoney man extended his stay at The Showgrounds until the end of the 2021/22 season after putting pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal.

Speaking after the announcement, ‘Parky’ explained that he was delighted to get his future sorted.

“My initial reaction is that I’m happy to sign a new deal,” he said.

“I am over the moon to be here for another two years and it was a simple decision to sign a new contract.

“As a Coleraine supporter growing up, it means a lot to play for the club and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

“I can’t believe I’ve been here for six years now and it has gone in extremely quickly.

“To progress from a bottom six club to challenging for league titles and other trophies has been brilliant and long may it continue.”

With competition for places stronger than ever, the 30-year-old revealed that he has embraced the challenge of fighting for his place in the team.

“The squad is definitely the strongest during my time here and that’s great for everyone involved,” he added.

“The only thing I can do is be ready when I’m called upon and when I take to the pitch, I have to make sure I do everything I can to keep my place in the team.

“We have won the Irish Cup and League Cup in recent years but I want to win as many trophies as possible. Unfortunately, the current guidelines means a return to football here looks unlikely and that’s a shame as we were going well, but health and safety always comes first.

“I wouldn’t say my game has changed too much in recent years but I’ve had to adapt to a more midfield role and I’m comfortable with that.”