Coleraine striker fashions out a new venture

But one Coleraine player is hoping to add a bit of style on and off the pitch.

Affable Glaswegian Jordan Allan, currently on loan at The Showgrounds has been working hard in recent months launching his own clothing brand, ThanksJosh.

Over the last few months the 21-year-old has built up the brand, which specialises in T-shirts, shorts and hats, with a number of famous faces including James McClean and Robert Snodgrass pictured wearing the gear.

So far Allan’s clothing range has only been available at thanksjosh.com or at Evolve Menswear in Londonderry. But now the striker is hoping to hit the target again as he opens a shop at Carlisle Road in the city.

“Yeah it’s a big step but it’s one I’m really looking forward to,” Allan told Times Sport while putting the finishing touches on the shop.

“I’m hoping to have it open for the start of December so we can benefit from the pre-Christmas trade. It’s an exciting new venture for me. The brand has been up and running for a few months now and it is going well.

“I’ve always had an interest in fashion and starting my own clothing brand was something that appealed to me. We’ve had good backing and there’s a lot of famous faces who have bought some of the gear. It has proved very popular in Evolve so opening a shop was the next logical step for us.”

So does this off-field move show the former Dundee United man is putting down roots in the north west?

“The clothing range is my business but football is my number one, and I will go wherever I need to for my career,” said Allan. “I have really enjoyed my time at Coleraine. I’ve been playing regularly, scoring goals and the team have been winning games. Obviously my loan deal at The Showgrounds comes to an end in January, but I would be keen to stay on if we can agree a deal.

“Everyone at the club has been great to me, there’s a great bunch of lads in the dressing room and the boss has helped build a great team spirit. So I would have no hesitation in staying on and helping the club achieve something.”

The only downside for Allan about life over here is being away from his family and girlfriend.

“When I was playing in Scotland I was able to drive home to see my family and friends,” he said.

“I haven’t saw them in a while, and it is difficult as I’m a family man, I miss my girlfriend and my parents and grandparents. My girlfriend is coming over very soon so that will be great to see her and spend a bit of time with her again. It’s part and parcel of the job though, hopefully I can get my future resolved soon so I can plan ahead.”

Allan is fully focused on the big Cup game coming up for the Bannsiders. The draw for the League Cup set up a mouth-watering quarter final tie at home to Crusaders on Wednesday night.

“It’s a big week for us, but it’s one we’re looking forward to,” he said.

“As far as the cup match goes it will take care of itself. We will certainly need no motivation!

“We weren’t happy with a number of things in the recent league game so we will be out tO put the record straight in the Cup that’s for sure,” added Allan.