FOOTBALL: Platt scores OG!

COLERAINE boss David Platt is working flat out to try and add to his firepower.

Platt suffered a blow last week as striker Sammy Morrow made the switch to League One side Tranmere Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

Platt's phone has been red hot ever since as he tries to bring in a new front man.

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So far the manager has been frustrated in his efforts as he revealed to Times Sport on Monday night.

"I approached Glentoran about Matty Burrows and Linfield about Curtis Allen but both clubs weren't interested in doing business," he said.

"Gary Hamilton was also mentioned, but he is ruled out for three months so that's a non-starter.

"I've also been speaking with Owen Morrison, who is a free agent, and Trevor Parkhill from Glebe Rangers.

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"I know Trevor well he played at the Reserves with me a few seasons ago and has a lot of ability. He was also one of the top scorers in the Championship last season.

"As for Owen he's been without a club since Portadown released him in the summer.

"Something may develop out of this but I still have options in England with other free agents so I'm in no immediate rush.

"It's been a frustrating time as I had prepared for the season and Sammy was very much central to those plans.

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"Now I have to start looking for a striker again when there are very few players available."

One player who has signed is Institute defender David Ogilby.

And Platt says he's delighted to have the 26-year-old, who is known as 'OG', on board.

"I'm very pleased to bring David in, it was certainly my easiest negotiations since I've been here," he said.

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"He wants to play and I feel he can bring a lot to us. He's big and strong, can nick a goal and can also play at left back.

"He likes to go and attack the ball and take command of situation - that is vital at this level

"We have been conceding too many sloppy goals so hopefully that extra competition will raise everyone's game.

"We have a few guys vying for the centre half position now and it's up to them to produce the goods if they get a start."

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The player himself is also pleased to make the move to The Showgrounds.

In recent seasons Ogilby has been linked with a host of clubs including Derry City, Ballymena United and the Bannsiders, but because of one thing or another he has stayed at the Riverside Stadium, until now.

"I think I couldn't really turn the chance of leaving 'Stute down this time," he told Times Sport.

"I was close a couple of times to leaving and I have been linked with a few clubs but I think now is the right time to leave.

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"I have been at 'Stute a long time in fact this year would have been my tenth including the youth team.

"Obviously I know nearly everyone at the club from top to bottom and there are a lot of good people there, who I'll miss but it's time to move on.

"I will always be looking out for 'Stute's result but I'm a Coleraine player now and my first thoughts are with them now."

The Strathfoyle man watched his new side lose their fourth game in a row at champions Linfield on Friday evening, but he believes they are good enough to start moving up the table sooner rather than later.

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"I have enjoyed my time at 'Stute, but maybe now it's time for a new challenge and I'm looking forward to it.

"Coleraine are a massive club and although at the minute they are on a bit of a bad run but they have the squad there and the players there to be competing with the top teams in the Irish League.

"Obviously I'm not expecting to walk straight into the team, to be honest I'm expecting a fight.

"But as I have already said I'm looking forward to that challenge and hopefully whenever I do get my chance in the starting line-up I take it," added Ogilby.