Bannsiders hit back in row over Milk Cup transfer

The Bannsiders had kept their powder dry on the issue as the debate raged before and after the tournament.

But after what they feel was misinformation in certain media reports regarding the reasons for the move up the A26, the club has moved to defend Coleraine Showgrounds.

The facilities at the Ballycastle Road venue had been cited by some as the reason the Milk Cup committee decided to make the move.

Health and Safety standards at the ground, which has attained BOTH a Domestic and UEFA Licence for the current campaign, were also called in to question and this forced the powers-that-be at the Showgrounds to act.

"We fully appreciate and respect the decision the Milk Cup committee made," committee member Nevin Oliver told Times Sport.

"However, suggestions in certain reports that there are Health and Safety issues with The Showgrounds are totally wrong and we felt that we had to act to put this issue to bed once and for all.

"As a club we are very aggrieved that there was a perception that the finals were moved because of health and safety issues, which was suggested in certain reports.

"Unfortunately as we know from past experience that mud sticks and this could have damaged the club in terms of people not wanting to attend the ground because they were worried about their safety.

"The final straw came last week when a national newspaper once again suggested this and said that the club was looking to relocate to a proposed new stadium at Rugby Avenue.

"We felt we had to respond in writing (below) and put our point of view across.

"As a committee we have worked hard to maintain the Showgrounds and begin a four year capital development plan.

"Anyone who has visited the ground in recent seasons will see the amount of work that's been carried out.

"We have worked hard with all the authorities to make sure the ground meets the highest standards of Health and Safety regulations, including the 'Red Book'.

"This is borne out of the fact that we have attained both our Domestic Licence from the IFA and a UEFA Licence from European football's governing body.

"Because of this we have hosted several high profile international games including the recent Northern Ireland Under-23 game against Poland.

"So it was a bit disconcerting for us to read that our facilities were not suitable for a youth football tournament when in fact we were hosting competitive internationals.

"We don't want to be embroiled in a tit for tat slanging match with anyone and we welcome strategic debate on the future of the Milk Cup and the proposed new stadium.

"But we feel that we have to draw a line under the issue for now and state our views as we know we have been misrepresented by the whole saga."