Where are they now? David Ogilby

FORMER Coleraine captain David Ogilby is the latest player to talk about his time in the Blue and White Stripes…

The L/Derry man came through the ranks at Institute, before signing for the Bannsiders in August 2010 for an undisclosed fee.

David would spend eight years on the Ballycastle Road under the management of David Platt and Oran Kearney, before departing for a spell in junior football with Lisahally.

In total, Ogilby made a total of 233 appearances, scoring 18 times in the process and was a member of the Bannsiders’ 2018 Irish Cup success.

Ogilby would be selected in the Team of the Decade as chosen by supporters and revealed to Jonathan McNabb that he might someday return to The Showgrounds but in rather different circumstances.

Q1. Chat us through your career growing up…who did you play for and were you always a defender?

I played youth football with Moorfield who later became Foyle Harps. Neil McCafferty & Rory Patterson were team mates going through the age groups.

There was a lot of talent in this particular age group as a lot of players went on to play senior football. The likes Paddy McCourt, Mark McChrystal, Kevin Deery, Barry Molloy, Gareth Mullan, Darren Cassidy, Michael Hegarty and Kevin Ramsey to name a few.

I have always played at centre-half but I’ve been telling managers over the years I could do a job up front. None of them listened.

Q2. Can you remember much about your Irish League debut with Institute? Must have been a proud moment?

It was the opening day of the season in August 2003 against Glenavon in the old CIS Cup at Drumahoe. We lost 2-1 in a pretty uneventful game.

Paul Hegarty and John Quigg showed a lot of belief in me as a young player and it gave me huge confidence going forward. They weren’t afraid to throw a teenage centre half in against the best strikers in the country.

Q3. You had plenty of interest in your services but you decided to join Coleraine in 2010…can you talk us through that move?

I was actually approached by Coleraine the year before I signed. I was in the car park in the Lodge Hotel about to meet Davy Platt but had a change of heart.

I felt I owed John Gregg and Wes Gregg another season at Institute as they showed great loyalty in me. A year later Aidy McLaughlin called me and the deal was done fairly quick.

I also met Auby Ralph in relation to signing for Glentoran at that time. We spoke about the terms and he said he would go back to the board and discuss with the manager Scott Young. I haven’t heard from him since.

Q4. Can you remember the start you had to your Coleraine career…the two goals against Donegal Celtic must be a fond memory?

It was a great day, the pressure was immense as Coleraine had went six games without a goal or point. Gareth Harkin swung in a corner at 0-0 with about 20 minutes left and I headed it in. You could feel the relief. We went on to win 4-0.

I always tell a story about that day. Kevin McLaughlin local reporter rang me up on the Friday night before and said could I get a lift up to the match tomorrow with you as I’m doing a match report for the Sunday Life. I said no problem. Away we went and I scored two, kept a clean sheet and gave him a lift up and down.

I opened the Sunday Life the next morning and he gave me a 6/10. I’ve never let him forget it.

Q5. Who was the best player you played with at Coleraine and who was the best player you played against?

I’ve played with some brilliant players at Coleraine over the years but the best was Leon Knight. He’s the type of character you want in your team and hate playing against.

I never seen a player so good winding up the opposition. More importantly he backed this up with goals. His finishing ability was lethal.

Best player I played against was Glenn Ferguson, one the all-time greats in terms of Irish League.

Q6. What was it like working under Oran Kearney? A proud achievement to be the longest serving player under him at one point?

Yes, I owe Oran a lot of gratitude. Early on we always knew as players he was a great manager and was only a matter of time before he was delivering trophies for Coleraine.

He appointed me captain on his first game in charge which was a great privilege. He also gave me the honour of captaining Coleraine in the Irish Cup Final in 2017. To lead the team out with my eldest son is something I will never forget.

Yes, we were well beaten by Linfield but looking back now the disappointment has eased and it was a really proud moment in my life.

Q7. You finished your career with an Irish Cup winners’ medal – surely a fitting send off?

Yes, it was a day that was a long time coming for the club what an occasion it was. Obviously I didn’t feature that day but it was nice to leave Coleraine on a high with a winners medal.

The club were very good to me over the years and I have made many friends and have lots of happy memories of my time there.

Q8. Do you watch much Irish League football at the minute? Have you officially retired?

I am still paying junior football with my local team Lisahally so I don’t get to many games. It’s great to see the Irish League getting more live TV coverage so I can keep up to speed this way.

I have also done the referees course and have started to referee some kids games recently. Admittedly I had plenty of run ins with the referees over the years but probably never really appreciated the job they have on their hands.

It has been a real eye opener something I wish I had done early in my career. Hopefully it keeps me involved in the game when I finish playing.