FOOTBALL: Exciting plans on and off the Showgrounds pitch

The Bannsiders brought their campaign to an end with a 1-1 draw against Lisburn Distillery, but plans for next season are already in full swing.

But it's not just David Platt who is working hard behind the scenes, the Management Committee is also flat out.

Just days after it was confirmed that the had secured BOTH their Domestic and UEFA licences for next season, Chief Executive John Mairs revealed to Times Sport that the club has progressed through Stage 1 of an application for a 1million improvement grant for The Showgrounds through Sport NI's Phase IV Stadia Safety Programme.

The application included provision to build a new 1,500 seater grandstand on south terrace, construction of a new control room, developing the Ballycastle Road end from terracing to seated accommodation, installation of new turnstiles and upgrading entrance and surfaces.

Sport NI has now informed the club that Stage 1 of the process has been approved.

However, Mr Mairs pointed out that this was just the first stage of the project.

"This is a fantastic boost for the club and keeps us on track with our five year development plan," he said.

"It has always been our ambition to develop the far side of the ground and this further demonstrates that we are continuing to drive this club forward.

"We have to thank the North Derry Agricultural Society, the Council and the people of the town and borough for their continued support.

"This though is just the initial phase, further rigorous stages must now be passed, including the preparation of an outline business plan in terms of the viability of the project, as well detailed drawings, before final approval of the project can be given.

"If all goes to plan we would hope to commence work in March 2011.

"This news is a further boost to us following on from the news that we have been granted our Domestic and UEFA licences. This really shows how far this club has come in the last five years."

Meanwhile, as the club prepares for major developments off the pitch, manager David Platt has already started his work for next season.

Several players have agreed new deals at the club including Kyle McVey and Johnny Watt. And there are a couple of players who will be moving on to pastures new.

But it's players who will be coming in that the fans want to hear about and Platt confirmed to Times Sport that he is 'very hopeful' of bringing Aaron Black to the club.

"I've been speaking to Aaron for a few weeks now and I'm very hopeful that he will be a Coleraine player," he said.

"He's a quality player who can play in a number of positions, but first and foremost he's a goal scoring midfielder.

"He's had a difficult time at Crusaders where I think he's been harshly left out of the team.

"I've admired him for a number of years now and I feel he will be a good addition to our squad."

Platt revealed that Black is just one of a number of players he has spoken to with regards to them coming to the club.

Times Sport understands that Platt is keen to bring in a goalkeeper, a left back and a striker to further boost his options for next season.

However Platt said a lot depends on what happens with his current squad members.

"I have made offers to several players at the club and I'm waiting to hear back this week what their plans are," said Platt.

"I'm delighted that Kyle and Johnny have agreed terms. They are both local lads who want to play for Coleraine.

"Richard Gibson has turned down a new contract as he feels that he needs regular football and I can understand that. It looks like he will be signing for Ballymena.

"Jody Tolan as yet hasn't been offered fresh terms so we will definitely have to strengthen up front.

"Paddy McLaughlin is on the transfer list so we'll look at the defence too. But as I said a lot depends on what I hear back from the other players this week.

"The season may be over, but the work doesn't stop. Ideally I'd love everything to be wrapped up in a fortnight, but realistically it'll probably carry on throughout the summer."