Clubs remember Wesley with annual memorial match

The football world was shocked and saddened in May after the passing of Wesley Gregg.

He devoted his life to football, and in particular Coleraine and Portstewart. The clubs have come up with a fitting tribute for Wes though as Coleraine boss Oran Kearney explained.

“We have been working with Portstewart for a while to come up with a tribute for Wes,” he told Times Sport.

“Because of Wes’ love of the game and his affiliation with both clubs we decided an annual game between the teams in his memory would be fitting.

“Wes touched the lives of so many people both on a local level and throughout the country, and I’ve no doubt there will be a big crowd at Portstewart this Friday night (July 31st) to pay tribute to him.

“Wes loved football and he loved Coleraine and Portstewart so he deserves to be remembered in this way.”

The game at Mullaghacall kicks off at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Bannsiders continued their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 defeat at home to a Rangers XI on Friday night.

Speaking afterwards Kearney said he is happy with how his squad is shaping up.

“I can’t see us doing any other business until the season starts, you always get a wee bit happening in that last week in August with some players getting itchy feet,” he said.

“At the minute though I think that’s our lot. We’re well covered, we have players who can fill in various positions.

“I’m more than happy with how the squad is shaping up at this point in time.”

Kearney though was dealt a blow with the news that promising young defender Lyndon Kane has been ruled out for four weeks with a broken thumb.

“It’s a tough one for us all,” he said.

“Lyndon has been absolutely flying in pre season and it’s a pity for him and a real frustrating one for him too.

“Thankfully he’s had the operation and all so we’re looking at probably four or five weeks until he’s back playing again.

“It’s probably the first real injury he’s had, so it’s hard for him to take.

“He said it’s the fittest he’s ever been, but that’s football unfortunately.”