More signings to come - Kearney

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney continues his search to bolster his squad with talks with several more targets planned for this week.

Kearney added Shane Jennings and Peter Spratt to the ranks last week, but he told Times Sport he is hoping to add ‘another four or five’ new faces within the coming weeks.

“I’m having more talks this week,” he said.

“Ideally I’d like another four or five players in to bring the squad up to the 22 mark.”

Kearney was disappointed last week as potential target Timmy Adamson opted to sign for Crusaders.

“It’s frustrating as sometimes it does come down to simple geography,” he said.

“Some players are not keen on travelling. I’ve had to meet several players up the country for talks as they weren’t keen on travelling to Coleraine.

“I can fully understand Timmy’s situation he has a young family and lives close to Seaview, so the Crues were always going to be in the box seat.

“It was the same with Jamie Tomelty. It’s easier for him to be playing for his home town club and not having to travel, but it can be frustrating as a manager as there’s not too many quality players available.”

Kearney revealed that talks are ongoing with midfielder David Scullion over him signing a new deal.

“David suffered a frustrating season last year,” he said.

“He couldn’t train because of his groin problem, so he was only really at 80%. He put in some vital performances despite that though.

“However, we sat down and had a good chat at the end of the season. Both ourselves and David want assurances that he’ll be able to kick on this season and not be dogged by the same problems.

“He is getting better and hopefully if things are sorted out we will all see what David Scullion is capable of next season.”

Kearney is still hoping to add a couple of experienced heads to the panel, although he added he is happy with how his recruitment is going.

“At Limavady the plan was always to bring in young players with the hope that we could bring them with us when the chance arose to move into the Premiership,” he revealed.

“That has bore fruit and we are delighted to have been able to bring in the players we have already.

“I still want a few experienced head though to balance things out.

“Last week we brought in Shane Jennings, who has a very bright future ahead of him, but I don’t want to add more pressure on him by having to play him week in, week out.

“He needs time to be able to find his feet, because he has the ability that’s for sure.

“Peter Spratt is another important signing for us.

I know he was at Coleraine before, but he feels he probably left too soon and has unfinished business here.

“He certainly feels he has improved as a player since he was last here and he was a very important player at Limavady.

“When Stephen Lowry left to join Coleraine we were worried about how we could replace him, but Peter stepped in there and did a great job.”

Kearney meanwhile has brought in Pat McFadden as the new manager of the Reserves. The Londonderry native is involved with the County Londonderry Milk Cup set up and Kearney is delighted to have him on board.

“Pat is a great addition to our coaching set up,” he said. “Between him and Ollie Mullan we will be able to keep tabs on all the county’s most promising players.”

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