Pitch Perfect

COLERAINE Football Club have announced plans to install a new 4G pitch at The Showgrounds by the start of next season…

The news was revealed to supporters by Chairman Colin McKendry at a recent event held in the Social Club on the Ballycastle Road.

The Bannsiders would follow in the footsteps of fellow Irish League clubs Crusaders, Cliftonville, Larne and Bangor by putting in an artificial pitch.

McKendry explained that a working group of board members, supporters’ clubs and fans has been formed to help raise funds for the project, which is expected to cost in the region of £400,000.

“We have always tried looking as to how we can make the facilities better at The Showgrounds,” he added.

“We have to try and raise the bar here as players can enjoy facilities on offer at other clubs such as Ballymena and Larne.

“At this stage we are speaking with our landlords, local authorities and looking at fundraising options to install a 4G surface for next season.

“You’re talking considerable funds for the best facility available, so in the region of £350,000 to £400,000.

“The Club will be setting up a completely separate fund, ably assisted by supporters’ clubs and the Board will be actively looking to set up a committee overseeing that.

“We want to make this the hub of the community, we want people to come here and use the facility. We have two gyms here, there is a Club Shop and it is never empty.

“We hire training facilities at the University from the first-team right through to the Academy, and it is substantial money every year, so a 4G surface here would help make a saving.

“My thoughts is that a lot of hard work and planning issues will have to be solved, but we need to be in a position to give the go ahead to install a 4G pitch by the end of this year, with a view of having it ready for the start of next season.”

The installation of a synthetic surface has the approval of first-team boss Oran Kearney, who believes it can provide ‘a real foundation’ for the club to move forward.

“This can’t be a possibility, it has to happen, and we’re all in agreement,” he continued.

“That’s why I’m glad it’s out there because it has to happen and it will happen.

“With everything that’s been spoken about other teams, where they’re going and finances and everything else, we can’t afford to be left behind.

“It’s hugely important for us – what we can gain and what we can save, and to give the club a real foundation to move forward in the next few years.

“There are so many good people around here, who love the club so much, and are adamant that they would to do as much as possible to make this happen.”