Latest news with #Bannsiders
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Coleraine's 2024-25 season in review
2024-25 League position: 5thPlayer of the season: Matthew Shevlin2024-25 Review: The Bannsiders' first season as a full-time outfit was always going to be one of adjustment, although few could have predicted the campaign would feature quite so much upheaval on the Ballycastle Road. The change in status brought about a change of playing staff, and there were inconsistent performances in the early stages of the year, although Matthew Shevlin remained a reliable source of games unbeaten before the split saw them secure a top-six spot, but that was not enough to keep manager Dean Shiels in his the time of the play-offs, former Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins was in place to preside over a final defeat by Cliftonville that cost his new side European football next year. The expected arrival of Joel Cooper from Linfield has already seen Henry Ross, the executive chairman and majority shareholder at the club, make a huge transfer splash, while the signing of Kodi Lyons-Foster from Glentoran should significantly bolster their else they recruit before the 2025-26 season will surely be one of the stories of the Irish Premiership summer. 2025-26 signings so far: Kodi Lyons-Foster (Glentoran), Joel Cooper (Glentoran)2025-26 departures so far: Kyle Spence (unattached), Paddy Burns (unattached), Kyle McClelland (end of loan)
Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
I can't wait to play for Ruaidhri Higgins, says Coleraine-bound Joel Cooper after Ulster Footballer of the Year delight
Coleraine-bound star Joel Cooper has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of playing under new Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins — and the winger will go to The Showgrounds with an extra spring in his step after being named the Ulster Footballer of the Year following a spectacular season with Linfield.
Belfast Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Ruaidhri Higgins: I want to prove that Coleraine were right to bring me in by inspiring Euro joy
The former Derry City chief replaced Dean Shiels just over a week ago, but he couldn't have wished for a better start as he helped the Bannsiders negotiate a midweek European Play-Off Semi-Final against Crusaders, when an early goal from striker Declan McManus was enough to get Higgins' boys over the line.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ruaidhri Higgins in call to Coleraine fans as he makes Irish League powerhouse assertion
Ruaidhri Higgins has called on Coleraine fans to come out in force and help the club realise its potential as they prepare for their biggest game of the season. The Bannsiders are 90 minutes away from securing European football next season if they can navigate their way past Cliftonville. Higgins, who is only a week into his role as manager at The Showgrounds, believes the supporters can help his side over the line like they did in Wednesday night's semi-final win over Crusaders and push them closer to becoming a "really powerful club" in the Irish League. READ MORE: Paul Hughes v Bruno Miranda recap as Hughes wins with stunning 42 second KO READ MORE: Michael Dunlop emulates his late father Robert after stunning day of racing at North West 200 "There's so much potential at this club,' said the Coleraine boss. 'There's a big fan base, we can grow it even further, and they have been brilliant. "In difficult moments when we were coming under pressure [on Wednesday] they helped get us over the line and we need that. This could be a really powerful club if we get even more people in the gate and we all stick together. "It would be a brilliant achievement if we could secure European football, we're playing against a really good side in Cliftonville, but we will be ready and looking forward to it." Higgins may have only had a few days to work with his new squad but he saw enough in the 1-0 win over the Crues to be positive going forward. 'I'm delighted with the result, but I think you can look at the two halves in different ways," he said. "The first half we played some brilliant football and should have had more something we need to develop as a team, being more ruthless. "The second half, we showed a different side, we stood up, we defended our box when we needed to, we looked a threat on the break. "It's never going to be perfect for 90 minutes but all in all I'm delighted with how the players applied themselves and how receptive they've been." Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Dean Shiels axe a shock but I'm still backing Coleraine to see off Cliftonville in Euro crunch, says ex-star of both sides
Former Coleraine and Cliftonville striker Jody Tolan has voiced his surprise at Dean Shiels' axing, but he still believes the Bannsiders can pip the Reds to European qualification.
