Third time lucky this weekend?
Thursday, 21 August 2008
It’s been a frustrating start to his first season in charge as Coleraine manager for David Platt. Hopefully, the tide will change this Saturday with a win against Dungannon Swifts.
COLERAINE manager David Platt says his players are itching to get their IFA Premiership campaign underway at home to Dungannon Swifts on Saturday in this, the third weekend of the new season.
The Bannsiders managed a little over 30 minutes competitive action at Newry City on Saturday before commonsense prevailed and the match was abandoned because of heavy rain.
A referees' strike the previous week has meant that it's been a stop-start beginning to the new league leading to frustrations all round and the hope that some action will take place on Saturday.
“I think it's fair to say that the players are looking forward to getting a game and hopefully it'll come this Saturday," admitted Platt.
“It's been frustrating but Saturday's gone now and we must refocus on Dungannon Swifts and what we have to do. It's a different team yet again and we'll adapt our tactics accordingly.
“They've strengthened over the summer, bringing in Timmy Adamson, Marc McCann and Ryan Mullan from Limavady, but then so have we. Like ourselves, they'll be vying for a top six spot and Saturday will be a good test for us."
Platt has been boosted with the news that striker Marty Hunter should be available for the game following his one-match suspension and the return from holiday of exciting youngster Stephen Dooley.
“I read in the papers that Gary Hamilton is available for Glentoran so that should mean that Marty Hunter will come into the squad for Saturday," said Platt. "We'll see how Stephen is and depending on how he is he could also be included.
“That means we have a couple of extra players available which gives me a nice problem in who to select. I'm a great believer that if you are going well in training then you come into reckoning for a place at the weekend.
“It has to be that way. It's all about keeping the shirt, obviously, but I would have no hesitation in changing things around if someone impressed in training during the week. I believe it makes the tempo in training higher and subsequently that carries into a game on a Saturday."
One man who definitely won't be featuring against Harry Fay's side is prospective South African trialist Tyron Wood. The 19-year-old, who has had spells in his native country with Orlando Pirates and Jumo Cosmos, was to arrive in the country last Thursday but was denied entry to the country. "All I know is that about a month ago I was asked would I have a look at the player. I said yes and agreed that he would come to training but I have learned that he was refused entry into Dublin last week.
“That's all I know at the moment. He's more than welcome to come here and if he's good enough he'll get a chance like everyone else. I have a squad of 24 players and we will select from that for this weekend. It's pleasing that our first match is going to be at home after all and we'll be targeting three points and a good start."
