Mr Mystery fits the bill
COLERAINE'S pursuit of new players this summer has been shrouded in mystery.
For several weeks now rumours have been circulating about the identity of David Platt's targets. The Coleraine manager though was keeping his cards close to his chest, waiting for confirmation that he'd got his men.
But it turns out that Platt's main target is no stranger to mystery. Striker Rory Patterson was dubbed 'Mr Mystery' by the FC United fans because nobody knew who the Strabane man was as he took the field as a substitute as he had no number on his shirt. And so FC United's first ever cult hero was born.
But after his first appearance in a Coleraine shirt there's certainly no mystery why Platt was so keen to bring him to The Showgrounds. The 24-year-old notched a first half hat-trick against Garvagh on Friday night showing the killer instinct which helped him net 107 goals in 126 appearances for FC United.
Patterson joined United after four years with Rochdale, a former team-mate of his, Karl Marginson was in charge at FC United and
persuaded his to sign on - and it was a match made in heaven as Patterson hit seven goals in his first 10 games.
"Yeah I had a great time at FC United," said Patterson. "I moved over to England when I was 15 and spent four years with Rochdale. After I was released I went down and played a friendly with United and I enjoyed it.
"In fact I enjoyed it so much I spent three year there and scored over 100 goals during my spell there.
"It was a fantastic time as the club was just getting going. They average about 3,500 supporters every game so it's a very special place to place to play with so many fans cheering you on.
"There's teams in League football who would struggle to bring in that many fans on a regular basis..it's just remarkable."
Patterson went on to play for Bradford Park Avenue and Droylsden in England before finally deciding to return home this summer.
"I had another year on my contract at Droylsden but I wanted to come home," Rory told Times Sport.
"David (Platt) made contact with me and it sounded like a very good option for me. He told me what his plans were for Coleraine and it sounds exciting and made it an easy decision to come here.
"Most of my mates play in the Irish League so I was always keeping an eye out for them when I was over in England. I also spoke to a few of them when Coleraine approached me and they all told me that it was a good set up down here.
"I just can't wait to get going now. It was good to get a half under my belt tonight and now I can't wait to get going properly and hopefully get a few goals this season."
There's little doubt David Platt and the Coleraine fans will be hoping that Patterson continues to move in mysterious ways.
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Weather for Coleraine
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
