FOOTBALL: One more to come says Platt
COLERAINE manager David Platt is hoping to bring in another new signing this week.
Platt, who has just tied up the loose ends of deals to land Rory Patterson and Michael Hegarty, revealed to Times Sport on Monday that a centre-half is next on his shopping list.
The Bannsiders boss was meeting with the defender before pre-season training started in earnest on Monday night, and he is hopeful of landing his man.
"I'm in talks with a centre half and one way or another it will be concluded by Tuesday," said Platt.
"But I'm confident of bringing the player in, he's a good defender and fits the bill age-wise as he's only 22, there's just a couple of loose ends to sort out.
"Unfortunately things tend to move very slowly at this time of the year. I had deals agreed with players a couple of weeks ago, but they are only being confirmed now.
"But anyway I'm happy with the work we've done this summer, even if it has been slow. As I said though it was always about bringing the right players in and I believe we've done that.
"I wanted to add more quality to the squad and strengthen the spine of the team. And as I said we've lowered the age of the team.
"Both Michael Hegarty and Rory Patterson are 24 and Aaron Canning is 17, so it bodes well for the future.
"We a squad of about 19 outfield players now which gives plenty of competition for places throughout.
"If I can complete the deal to bring in this other defender I'll be very pleased. When you look around the rest of the Irish League there are very few teams signing anybody, whereas we have added to the overall quality of the team."
Platt also revealed to Time Sport that he is still unsure about the future of the Setanta Cup but that he hopes that something will be sorted out in the next week or two.
"Things will have to move quickly as as there's only seven weeks to go to the first game," he said.
Officials from the IFA and FAI met last week to discuss the future after the broadcaster went into administration and they released a statement saying the competition could still go ahead.
The statement said: "The broadcaster has underlined that they are positively disposed to the Setanta Sports Cup.
"The Setanta Sports Cup Organising Committee, the IFA and the FAI will continue working closely with Setanta Sports during this process."
Meanwhile, Coleraine fans will get their first look atf the new bar complex at The Showgrounds in a special open viewing evening this Thursday night (July 2).
Events will get underway from 7pm and there will be special Red Bull promotions on the night, and the players will be in attendance after training.
Season tickets will also be on sale, with prices frozen from last season, and fans can also apply for membership of the new facility.
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Weather for Coleraine
Thursday 24 May 2012
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