Coagh welcome Tobermore to Hagan Park

Coagh's James Ferguson. Pic: Matt Mackey/Presseye

The Hagan Park Club after being relegated last season have made massive changes in both their management and playing personnel.

Both Noel Mitchell and Stephen Uprichard have stepped down from management and have been replaced by Mark McMenemy and Jim Scott who were left with the task of rebuilding the team for the incoming season.

On the playing side, long serving centre back David Calderwood has retired while the following players have moved to new clubs:- Mathew Young (Institute), Steven Park (Annagh) Marcus Dallas (Loughgall) and Jason Gillespie (Fivemiletown- player/ manager). Coagh wish all these players good luck with their new clubs.

On loan Coleraine trio, Stuart Glasgow, Joel Bradley and Craig Moore have all returned to their parent club.

On the plus side Aaron Thornton has come out of retirement to play for another season. Players in this season, Jonathan Young, Edson Da Cunha (Killymoon), John Henry, Mark Drennan, Kyle Hassin (Tobermore), Andrew Kelso (Royal British Legion) Adam Colbert (Dungannon Rovers).

With the transfer window still open, Coagh management could add to this squad before the end of August.

On Saturday Coagh wrapped up their final pre-season with a draw against Amateur League side Orangefield.

The home side fielded without a number of players who spent Saturday on the treatment bench.

The visitors went into a 2-0 lead after goals from Richie and Gracey but Coagh rallied in the second half through Alex and Andrew Kelso.

Down the road Coagh Reserves did better with a 2-1 win over Orangefield Reserves. Johnny Johnston and Willie Watson were the Coagh scorers.

This Tuesday night at Coagh Sports Centre 7.15pm sees Coagh Reserves play their final pre-season against Magherafelt Reds.

On Friday night Coagh United welcome neighbours Tobermore to Hagan Park for the first League match of the season.

With players and management having moved in the opposite direction in both teams this could well be a very interesting first fixture.

To see who gets the early bragging rights be at Hagan Park Coagh for the 7.30pm kick off.