Port rebuild as skipper leaves

Gary Pews • Published 2 Aug 2010 10:00 0 Comments

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PORT Glasgow boss Craig Brown is having to prepare for the new season without his influential skipper Paul Coyle.

After reportedly turning down three previous attempts to lure him away from the Port, Coyle, pictured, has finally decided now is the time to make the move to Largs Thistle.

The 27 year-old said: "Obviously it was a very difficult decision, as Craig Brown was the Port skipper when I came into the Juniors nine years ago.

"But the opportunity to play in the Super Premier League is one I might not get again, as the Port are on a rebuilding exercise that might take a few more years to come to fruition.

"I have a lot of good friends at Port Glasgow and have spoken to each of them individually to explain my decision.

"I would like to thank the club for everything they have done for me and, naturally, I wish them all the best for the future."

Brown admits Coyle's departure is a setback, but he harbours no ill-feeling.

He said: "I am obviously disappointed at the news but can understand Paul's thinking.

"I have known him since he was a teenager and it is natural that he would want a crack at a Premier League club.

"I think he could do well at that level, and maybe even higher."

Largs have further increased their already-hefty Inverclyde contingent by also tempting Kevin McCann to make the move from the Port.

Also leaving, but for work reasons, is keeper Sean Graham.

But his place has been filled by Brian Tucker, who turned out a few times for Greenock last season but failed to unseat regular stopper Mark Monk.

Tucker and stand-in goalie Steve Kidd will be coached by Kenny Meechan, an ex-Scotland Juniors internationalist who also played at senior level with Dumbarton, Stranraer and, before their demise from the senior leagues, Clydebank.

And, much to gaffer Brown's delight, the Port have been boosted by striker Scott Nugent's decision to stay on, amid speculation the prolific striker had been offered terms by other clubs.

Meanwhile, a raft of new signings have joined up for the new season.

Barry Stanton, Joe Donnachie and Eddie Joyce step up from the Port 21s, and Andrew McEwan, who made a few appearances as a trialist at the tail end of last season, has now been signed from Drumchapel 21s.

With the Sectional League Cup getting under way next Wednesday, 4 August, the Port have been busy with a number of friendlies.

These continue this week with a match against Drumchapel at Parklea on Wednesday, followed by a trip on Saturday to face Glenafton.

Despite the ongoing rebuilding exercise, Brown is eagerly anticipating the start of the action proper.

He said: "The boys have all worked hard in pre-season training. It will no doubt be a tough season ahead, and it will take time for the team to gel, but we are all looking forward to it."

l Port Glasgow Juniors are sponsored by 5 Star Plasterers, and WJ.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 02 Aug 10

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