FOOTBALL: McCallion out

Coleraine boss David Platt last night confirmed that the Bannsiders had withdrawn their offer of a new contract to the combative midfielder.

McCallion had been offered a new contract at the end of April but no progress had been made to make the deal happen.

"I have now withdrawn that contract offer and Tommy is out of contract, he is a free agent," Platt said.

Many supporters will be sad to see McCallion go but Platt has been working behind the scenes to bring new players on board for next season.

He said: "I still have a few irons in the fire and things may move on a couple of fronts before the end of the week.

"I have a good squad of 16 or 17 players so if I can add one or two quality players then I'd be happy."

Platt is still pursuing his interest in former Derry City man Darren McCauley who was released by Celtic at the end of the season.

"Darren can play centre of midfield, wide right or up front, he's pretty versatile," Platt said.

"I've also been talking to Michael McCrudden who's back from Newcastle and who can also play wide on the right. Both are Derry lads"

Platt is now less hopeful of landing Institute striker Joe McCready amid reports on Monday that he had agreed to join Derry City.

Coleraine have already wrapped up a deal for Crusaders midfielder Aaron Black and Platt added that he definitely hoped to make another target "a Coleraine player before the end of the week."

The Bannsiders boss has been chasing versatile Linfield player Jonny Harkness (24), a former NI Youth international who has had spells at Kidderminster, Walsall and Cambridge in the past.

Platt also revealed last night that Geoff Ferris had stepped down as his number two due to work and family commitments.

"It's a big blow for me but I'd like to thank Geoff for being my assistant for the past two seasons, he was my right hand man.

"He has agreed to help me in any way he can but his work and home commitments has meant that he can no longer take on a bigger role."

Platt revealed that he had asked striker Jody Tolan to come on board to hlep him out and added that he looked forward to working with him in the run up to the new season on August 7.