FOOTBALL: All change at The Showgrounds

MOST Coleraine fans expected a few comings and goings at The Showgrounds this summer.

But few could have anticpated major changes in the backroom staff.

However Bannsiders boss David Platt has decided to 'freshen things up' by calling time on Reserve boss Aaron Forgrave's tenure at the club.

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Platt told Times Sport on Monday that he felt it was time for a change and he thanked for for his services to the club over the last few years.

"I'd like to thank Aaron for all his hard work over the last few years, particularly since I took over as manager," he said.

"I know better than most how difficult the job can be, but it is also the most rewarding job as I know the joy you get from watching young players break in to the first team.

"As I said it's a hard job because it's not about results, it's about developing players, both as players and as people.

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"I just felt that the position needed freshening up and I wanted to do it early to be fair to Aaron and myself to get someone in post. At the moment I haven't even thought about who would be suitable, but as with everything it has to be the right person to take the club forward.

"They will have to have the drive and the determination to succeed and bring the next generation of first team players through."

In terms of players coming in Platt said there were no developments this week, however he is planning talks with several more players. Veteran keeper Davey O'Hare put pen-to paper on a new one-year deal last week, but Platt revealed that he is still waiting on Tommy McCallion.

"Unfortunately I still don't know what's happening with Tommy," he said. "The deal is still on the table but Tommy feels that it's short of what he needs. Unfortunately I don't have the budget to up his offer so we are in stalemate and it doesn't look like we will be making progress.

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"Elsewhere there's not too much to report as the market is still pretty flat.

"I've spoken to a couple of players and I've asked a club for permission to speak to another, but there's nothing concrete. As I've always said it has to be the right player for us and the player has to show he desire to want to come and play for us."

Meanwhile Platt has poured cold water on internet rumours which claimed Gareth Harkin had asked for a transfer.

"I don't know where that's come from," said Platt. "Gareth is very happy here and only recently signed a new two-and-a-half year contract. Perhaps some people should check their facts before posting these things."

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