PROFILES

Local lad Clanachan has been a regular in the side since making his debut in 1995, playing in a number of different positions, although it is at right back where he is undoubtedly most effective. He passed the 400 appearance mark at the start of the current season.

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After signing from Institute at the start of last season, Cassidy initially mainly played on the left wing, but in the second half of the campaign, he filled in at left back and made the position his own.

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A current Northern Ireland Under-21 international, McVey made his debut for Coleraine in 2004 after impressing for the Colts and Reserves and quickly established himself as a regular in the side. Although predominately a centre back, he has also played at right and left back as well as central midfield at occasions over the last few seasons. He is currently the club’s regular penalty taker.

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Joining in the January window of 2008 from Limavady, Matt has settled into the side well and for the first time since Gerry Flynn, the Bannsiders have a genuine left back.

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Now in his second spell with the club, Davy rejoined the Bannsiders from Limavady United during the January 2006 transfer window. After recovering from an injury which had delayed his debut for over a month he quickly made up for lost time in establishing himself in the side. His physical presence and aerial prowess make him an awkward opponent for any defender.

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Hard-working forward Tolan rejoined Coleraine in the summer after an unhappy spell at Glentoran, which saw him suffer a serious knee injury and then temporarily announce his retirement from the game. In his first stint at the club, he wrote his name into Coleraine folklore with the goal which won the 2003 Irish Cup final.

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Quite simply one of the most talented players in the league, Carson joined Coleraine in 2004 after spells with Rangers, Dundee Utd, Hartlepool and Barnsley on the mainland. One of the first names on the team sheet (whether on left or right wing or up front) he is always liable to light up a game with a moment of magic.

Paddy came from Finn Harps during the January transfer window and had an instant impact in organising the defence. His leadership skills and reading of the game are second to none, and like the other January arrivals, he has proved exactly why Marty was so keen to bring him to the Showgrounds.

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The club’s utility man, Johnny has played in a variety of different positions, including right and left back and right and centre midfield since he broke into the side during the 2005/06 season. His versatility makes him a very important member of the squad. Another graduate of the club’s Colts and Reserve sides.

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English forward Whitehead joined Coleraine from Newry City at the start of last season and scored on his debut at Dungannon. He eventually finished the season as the club’s top goal scorer. An extremely hard working player, when on form there are few better finishers at the club than him.

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Sean joined the club from Tobermore in January 2006. With competition for places central midfield being tough he has never held down a regular place in the side, he is nonetheless an important member of the squad.

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Gordy made an instant impact on his league debut for Coleraine, scoring the winning goal in an important match with Larne after coming on as a substitute. Injuries have somewhat limited his appearances in subsequent seasons, but when fully fit he is one of the best finishers at the club.

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‘Neilly’ started his career with the club, before spells at Limavady and Ballymoney. He returned to Coleraine in 2005 and mainly acted as defensive back-up until halfway through last season a switch to central midfield saw him excel. He is more than capable of covering in either position.

Laurence has an unenviable task, understudy to one of the league’s best goalkeepers. His appearances have been limited during his time with Coleraine, although recently he has shown himself to be a more than capable understudy to O’Hare.

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‘Hutchy’ joined Coleraine from Tobermore in the summer after impressing in a series of friendlies. He has made a bright start to his career at Coleraine, and has put his name forward for a starting role up front after initially being employed on the wings.

One of only three current IL managers to have won a League title, having done so with Cliftonville in the 1998/1999 season. He brought his distinctive management style to the Showgrounds and firmly established himself as one of the top managers in the country. His finest hour came on the 5th May 2003 when he guided the unfancied Bannsiders to the Irish Cup Final where they beat Glentoran, thanks to a first half Jody Tolan strike. He nearly repeated the feat the following year, this time being outdone by the odd goal, again against Glentoran. The following year saw huge changes in the club with the finanical situation hitting rock bottom. Many high profile players were moved on, but Marty remained loyal to the club through its darkest hour. Uncertainty and job security were particularly prevalent during this time due to the troubles. Despite this Marty, and the club, emerge from the mire to field a competitve team in the IL, finishing in a credible 9th position.