Friends of Coleraine subscribers on the rise

The subscription group, which owns the Bannsiders, revealed that it pumped over 15,000 into the club last season at its annual general meeting last week.

And with a slight increase in subscribers the FOC has pledged another 15,000 for the forthcoming season.

Management Committee member, Nevin Oliver, praised the group for its continued efforts especially during the current economic climate.

“It was another magnificent effort by the Friends last season,” he said.

“They make an invaluable contribution to this club both as owners and through the donations.

“This promises to be another exciting time for the club what with the proposed development of the South Terrace and the current safety works which are going on.

“The fences have been taken away at the Railway End and it will be the same at the away end. However, there is a problem on the South Terrace because of the height of the wall, which may mean that side may not be open during the current season.

“Unfortunately this is all to do with the new health and safety legislation and we have to abide by it.

“A new Control Room is also being built in the Main Stand and CCTV will be monitored from there.

“We’d urge caution to all fans now that the fences have been removed as if anyone encroaches on to the playing area they will receive an automatic ban from the ground and the club will receive a substantial fine.”

The Friends’ committee decided to put of the election of office bearers until their next meeting but invited three new members (Irene Brown, Andrew Gillan and Steven Crawford) on to the committee.

The Friends committee also agreed that in light of Chief Executive John Mairs’ decision to step down from the post it would await the appointment of the new General Manager to see who would take on the directorship with the club.