Thank you Dougie

COLERAINE FC extends its best wishes to Steven Douglas who made his final appearance of a hugely successful career this evening…

‘Dougie’ – who played in the local game across four decades – has decided to retire at the age of 43, bringing an end to a 22-year trophy-laden career with four different clubs.

After being released by Linfield’s youth set-up, Douglas would make his first senior appearance in Irish League football for Larne in 1999. He would remain at Inver Park for two years before making a switch to the top flight with Portadown under the eye of Ronnie McFall.

During his time at Shamrock Park, the Ayrshire native would share a changing room with the likes of Gary Hamilton, Vinny Arkins and Mickey Collins. He would earn his first senior medal by lifting the Gibson Cup but unfortunately lost in an Irish Cup final to Linfield.

In 2003, Douglas would make a return to Windsor Park and it would prove to be a memorable one under David Jeffrey as the defender would lift 18 trophies in over a decade, including being a part of the Clean Sweep team that won all four major honours in 2006. In total, Douglas made 266 appearances for the Blues and left with four Irish League winners’ medals.

After being released by Linfield in 2013, Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney swooped to sign the then 35-year-old and he would impress both on and off the pitch as he would help in the progression of the likes of Lyndon Kane, Adam Mullan, Brad Lyons and Jamie McGonigle.

The Coleraine number five would also taste silverware yet again as he was part of the Irish Cup winning squad in 2018, as well as lifting the League Cup last year in the 2-1 win against Crusaders.

After his appearance this evening, Douglas ended his Coleraine career by making 178 appearances, scoring three times in the process.

Thankfully, it won’t be the last we see of ‘Dougie’ as the popular character has agreed to be a part of Oran Kearney’s backroom staff next season.

Congratulations to Steven on a tremendous career.