Parky cherished every minute

IAN Parkhill insists “all good things must come to an end” after leaving the Bannsiders upon the expiry of his contract…

The Ballymoney man, who joined Coleraine ahead of the 2014/15 campaign, brought an end to his eight-year stay this summer after 266 appearances for the club.

‘Parky’ was a used substitute in the Irish Cup win against Cliftonville in 2018 and started the BetMcLean League Cup final success against Crusaders in 2020.

Speaking after his exit was announced, the winger remarked that he didn’t believe he would have had that much success when he signed from Tobermore United.

“I am sad to leave but all good things must come to an end,” he said.

“Before I joined if someone said I would play over 250 games, win two trophies, play in Europe and finished runners-up, I wouldn’t have believed them.

“I feel proud to have been part of that journey, I’ve enjoyed it and there’s been a real difference in our league position since I first joined as we have went from being near the bottom to challenging for trophies.

“As a local player, I didn’t feel any more pressure when I was representing Coleraine because I was grateful to play for the team I’ve always supported and it’s something you can’t take for granted.”

Parkhill will continue his career with Moyola Park as they aim to secure promotion into the NIFL Championship next season.

However, the 32-year-old acknowledged that he will try and get to as many Coleraine games as he possibly can.

“I maybe could have played in the Irish League a bit younger but I’m a firm believer in that things happen for a reason,” he added.

“I have to give credit from Colin McKendry at the top right through to everyone at the club for how they treated me and I worked under some fantastic staff and played with some great players.

“Not only did they bring me on as a player but also as a person and I’m grateful for that.

“I would also like to thank every single fan for their support as they are extremely loyal and want you to achieve.

“I’m looking forward to getting started with Moyola Park, I spoke with the manager and his plans for promotion certainly whetted my appetite.

“I will never be a stranger at The Showgrounds and I will try to get to as many games as I can.”