FOOTBALL: Wade hits out at striker Patterson

Patterson is due back from a three-day trial with English Coca-Cola Championship side Plymouth Argyle later today – a trip the Bannsiders had no knowledge of prior to the player's departure on Sunday.

Glentoran – who the 25-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement with – have already hit out at their potential summer arrival, with chairman Aubry Ralph accusing the striker of being "a little naive" in accepting the trial.

Coleraine chief Wade is also up in arms after finding himself in the dark over the Plymouth trip.

"Rory travelled over to Plymouth on Sunday and is due back tomorrow," Wade said last night.

"I have tried texting him since the weekend but he hasn't replied. I am disappointed I haven't been able to get in touch with him, and I think he is being disrespectful to both Coleraine and Glentoran.

"Rory has obviously signed a pre-contract with Glentoran, so if Plymouth are interested in signing him they should speak to the Glens. But he is also contracted to Coleraine Football Club until the end of May.

"We haven't had any correspondence from Plymouth, Rory headed off on his own for this trial. But I did inform Aubry Ralph about his trial when I found out about it. They deserve to know."

Glens chairman Ralph also said Patterson was being "ill advised", and claimed he had also tried texting the player but received no response.

Bannsiders chairman Wade added: "I would agree with Aubry's comments. The player is being ill-advised.

"He is due back on Thursday, and our manager David Platt expects him to return."