Number one goalie set to leave Institute

Institute will be in search of a new goalkeeper after this 
Saturday’s clash with Linfield at the Riverside Stadium.

Current number one Michael Doherty is expected to make a sensational return to Coleraine and if the deal can get done quickly he may even leave before this weekend’s clash against the Blues.

The Limavady man has been offered a lucrative professional contract by Oran Kearney and in an even more bizarre twist the Bannsiders’ current netminder Eugene Ferry could move in the opposite direction to Drumahoe.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Stute boss Paul Kee confirmed the news to Sentinel Sport on Monday evening that the ex-Limavady United goalkeeper has told him that he wants to leave and return to a club which he left two years ago.

“Michael hopefully will be playing for us on Saturday against Linfield and if he does it will be his last game for the club, as Coleraine have offered him a professional contract and it’s one that he just couldn’t turn down,” stated Kee.

“Michael has had a good time with us and we have got his career back on track. We wish him all the best at Coleraine. Yes it’s disappointing but we recognise that this might happen with us.”

Kee also said that Ferry, Gavin Cullen and a former English Championship goalkeeper are now on his radar.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“What we have to do now is try and replace Michael with a similar type goalkeeper, who is experienced and hungry,” he said.

“But we have options and I’m hopeful either Ferry, Gavin Cullen or Saul Deeney will sign for us, as all of them fit that profile.”

“Saul, who was at Derby County last year, is keen to come as he just wants to get back playing regular football, but he lives in England and we would have to possibly organise flights back and forth every week. Having spoken to Saul, he’s interested and is keen to come but it’s just a case of me sitting down with the committee and seeing what is available and what they are prepared to do.

“I have spoken to Donal O’Brien (Cockhill Celtic manager) on Monday night in regards speaking to Gavin and he is OK for me to have a chat with his keeper, so I have left Gavin a message, saying that we might be in touch with him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“And as for Eugene he still has a contract with Coleraine and until that changes then nothing will happen.

“But look no matter what we will have a new goalkeeper in place. Ideally it will either be Eugene Ferry, Gavin Cullen or Saul Deeney.”

Meanwhile Institute face Dollingstown in their Wasp Solutions League Cup tie next Monday evening August 25, (KO 7.45pm).