FOOTBALL: McCauley released

The Maiden City based player only joined the Bannsiders last summer, but spent the second half of the season on loan at Championship side Institute.

He joined up against with Oran Kearney’s men for the start of pre-season, but the Bannsiders’ boss cited McCauley’s working arrangements as the reasons for the midfielder’s departure.

“Darren McCauley has been released from his contract at Coleraine due to inability to make his new work circumstances fit with Coleraine’s footballing schedule,” revealed Kearney.

“Darren has his own bread run which involved being up at 3am. He was keen to get back playing for the club and try to make it work but after a few weeks of pre season he has decided that its not working and he cannot juggle both.

“With deep regret therefore, we have agreed to let Darren move on and wish him all the best for the future.”

The Bannsiders started their pre-season schedule last week with friendlies against Moyola Park and Limavady United.

Coleraine ran out 3-0 winners over the hosts. Curtis Allen put them in front in the first quarter as he finished off a David Scullion through ball.

Allen truned provider midway through the second half as he crossed for strike partner Arron Boyd to head home.

Allen wrapped up the scoring with two minutes to go as he slotted home from Paul Owens’ pass.

At Limavady on Saturday Coleraine fought back from a goal down to grab a 1-1 draw. Trevor Parkhill put the hosts in front on 27 minutes, the Bannsiders drew level just before the break though as trialist Mark Gillen put pressure on from a corner resulting in Parkhill putting through his own net.

Coleraine have three more friendlies this week as the entertain Ballymoney United tonight (Tuesday) and then Mexico Under-20 Milk Cup squad on Thursday (both 7.30pm kick offs) before travelling to Tobermore United on Saturday (3pm).