Quintet Released

COLERAINE FC can confirm that five players will depart the club on the expiry of their contracts…

Defenders Adam Mullan, Darren Cole, Jake Wallace and Rodney Brown will depart, as well as midfielder Jack O’Mahony as boss Oran Kearney plans for next season.

ADAM MULLAN

Adam leaves the club after amassing 243 appearance since making his debut in a North-West Cup tie against Portstewart in 2012.

The Limavady man filled in at very position across the back and was one of the many players to be given a first-team opportunity after featuring for the Reserves. The 28-year-old lifted an Irish Cup and League Cup winners’ medal during his time at the club, as well as appearing in Europe on several occasions.

A cruel injury sustained at the end of the 2022/23 campaign curtailed Adam’s chances of gaining game time this season as he aimed to recover from his setback.

Oran Kearney said of his departure: “Adam has been a brilliant servant and it’s sad his time has come to an end.

“He has fought back well from an horrific injury and he hit his rehab really hard and has been disciplined.

“Thankfully, he is back playing football and I remember giving him his Premiership debut around 16 years of age and his versatility always stood out.

“Before we said our goodbyes, I mentioned to him that whilst the goals in the Irish Cup final success against Cliftonville gets spoken about, his defensive block to deny Cliftonville a certain equaliser was an unbelievable read and one that will live long in the memory.

RODNEY BROWN

Rodney returned to the club in the 2021 summer transfer window after a spell at Crusaders, where he won the Irish League, Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield.

The Ballymena man first joined Coleraine in 2015 as an attacker but he since developed his game into a defender and operated at centre-back and left-back.

Brown departs after making more than 100 appearances across both spells at The Showgrounds. An injury sustained towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign meant game time this season was limited.

Kearney said: “Rodney had a really good start with us and then went to Crusaders before we were able to persuade him to come back.

“He is loved by all the lads and everyone around the place. He suffered a horrific injury but you have to give him credit for getting back to full fitness.

“He has a great attitude and the only thing left for him to do now is to play matches.”

JAKE WALLACE

Jake was brought to the club in last summer’s transfer window after impressing on trial following his release from Fleetwood Town.

The Portstewart native operated at right-back on 16 occasions for the club in all competitions throughout his tenure at The Showgrounds.

Kearney commented: “It was probably a frustrating one for Jake as it’s hard to oust Lyndon Kane out of the right-back position.

“Jake has grown out of U20’s football and keeping him here wouldn’t have done him justice.

“He needs to play senior men’s football and I’ve no doubt he will do that with his potential and we will be keeping an eye on his progress.”

DARREN COLE

Darren signed terms with the Bannsiders ahead of the 2023/24 campaign following his release from Glentoran.

The Scotsman would go on to play 18 times for the club and scored away at Dungannon Swifts in August.

Kearney added: “Darren probably hasn’t played as many games as he would have liked since joining.

“The big credit I’ll give him is that he’s been available for a huge percentage of the games this season, which is something he might have struggled with in the past.

“When he was on the pitch he showed his experience and was a great guy to work with.”

JACK O’MAHONY

O’Mahony joined the Bannsiders in May 2022 after impressing during his time at Glenavon. His performances – incidentally against Coleraine – alerted boss Oran Kearney who was quick to snap the winger up after his contract came to an end at Mourneview Park.

Jack would then go on to make 58 appearances during his time in the blue and white stripes, scoring away to Cliftonville.

The Randalstown man would feature in a variety of positions during his time on the Ballycastle Road.

Kearney stated: “Jack had a good couple of years with us.

“He has a great attitude and is a great guy but found chances limited with us, especially this season.

“Jack knows he needs to go and play and hopefully he can do that.”

Coleraine FC would like to place on record our gratitude to all players moving on to pastures new for their services, and extend our best wishes for their future endeavours.

The club will communicate further updates regarding the playing squad in due course.