Whiteside: ‘It was nice to play for my hometown club’

SCOT Whiteside speaks to Jonathan McNabb after the defender’s loan deal expired with the Bannsiders this week…

The Garvagh man made 19 appearances for the Stripes after penning a short-term loan in August and filled a number of positions – but admits he ‘enjoyed every minute’ of time at The Showgrounds.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time at Coleraine,” Whiteside said.

“It’s a smashing club and I’m glad that I could contribute as much as I could to the team this year.

“It was nice to play for my hometown club as the fans have been excellent turning up every week in their numbers both home and away, they really are quality.”

The former Glasgow Rangers trainee hopes game time earned at the Bannsiders will stand him in good stead in the League of Ireland with Derry City.

“It was brilliant for my development to get out and get some games under my belt,” Whiteside added.

“I want to thank Oran for giving me the chance to come and do that at my hometown club. It’s a good bunch of lads to be around.

“It is now up to me to get down to business with Derry City.”

Whiteside insists he will try and attend Coleraine home matches when he can and has wished his former team-mates the best of luck for the rest of the season.

“My aims for this year are to get myself in the team and play as many games as I can,” Whiteside continued.

“I feel the experience I’ve gained at Coleraine will help me do that.

“I will try to get to as many games as I can and I’ll be at the majority of the home games.

“I just want to wish the club all the best for the rest of season and hopefully one day I will be back again.”