FOOTBALL: New arrivals?

Platt leads his side into pre-season training tonight (Tuesday) and Times Sport understands that deals are close to being completed to bring several new faces to The Showgrounds in time for the big kick off on August 7.

One of those players could be midfielder Darren McCauley. The former Derry City man was released by Celtic at the end of the season and Platt is keen to bring him to Coleraine.

"Darren is coming down to train with us and we'll take it from there," he said.

"He has bags of potential and can play in a number of positions.

"He would definitely add something to our team and I would be keen to bring him here.

"I'm expecting things to start moving now clubs are back in training again.

"I'm hopeful that we'll have a full back signed by the end of the week."

Platt also revealed that he just missed out on the signing of Glentoran midfielder Daryl Fordyce, who has been placed on the transfer list at the Oval.

"We spoke to Daryl several times and it was all very encouraging, however personal circumstances just didn't enable Daryl to complete the deal," said Platt.

Things are more positive for striker Joe McCready though with Platt playing down speculation that the player is set for a move to England.

"As far as I'm concerned the situation hasn't changed," said Platt.

"We have been speaking to Institute and Joe for a while now and I expect a deal to be finalised."

One player who won't be joining up with the Bannsiders though is Gary Muir. The Scot spent part of last season with Ballymena United and a newspaper claimed last week that he was attracting interest from Coleraine.

"There's nothing in the Muir story," said Platt. "He contacted us about a move but we are a local team of local players and I won't be going down the route of bringing in players from Scotland.

"We don't need to add a lot, it's quality rather than quantity that I'm looking for."

Platt is glad that the ball is rolling again with the fixtures now announced for next season and pre-season training commencing this week.

The Coleraine boss told Times Sport that 'there's no room for error' this season as the club looks to push on again.

"It's another big year for us and there's certainly no room for error," he said.

"I'm glad that we're back in action this week and our focus will be fully on that opening game against Glenavon on August 7.

"I know people think we've a tough start but it doesn't matter who you play as it proved last season.

"You have to make sure that you are up for every game and I'm expecting another closely fought league this season."