Gaston and Coyles take over Reserve team

For the flame haired defender, who made over 600 appearances in the Irish League, is back at the club he loves.

Last week 'Gacky' and fellow old boy Drew Coyles were named as the new management team for the Reserves at The Showgrounds.

And Gaston, who left the Bannsiders in 2008, told Times Sport that he couldn't believe it when he got the call.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "I couldn't believe it when David (Platt) phoned to offer me the job.

"I left this club with a heavy heart two years ago but I am absolutely thrilled to bits to be back again.

"Now I have a big role to play in its future!"

Gaston is hoping his experiences of being a player to come through the system at The Showgrounds will prove invaluable as he bids to bring through the next crop of young players.

"I'll definitely be relate to the young players and understand what they are going through," said Gacky.

"I still remember when Iam McFaul brought me into the squad for the first time. Now it's my job to prepare the guys for that step up.

"Both myself and Drew will be doing all we can to try and impart that knowledge and experience that we have on to them.

"The good thing is we don't know the players so they will all be starting with a clean slate.

"Aaron Forgrave did a very good job with the Reserves during his time at the club and we will be trying to build on that work."

Since Gaston called time on his playing career he has been busy working with local schools and boys clubs.

And he is clear about how he sees his role at Coleraine.

"It's not about winning, it's about producing players for the first team," said Gacky.

"We want to make sure that every player develops here at Coleraine. We know they all won't break through to the first team, but hopefully they will go on to play at a high level.

"It's my philosophy to play football out from the back so that players are comfortable with the ball at their feet.

"I also want us to be competing for all the best young players in this area.

"It really frustrates me to see young players being snapped up by the likes of Linfield and Glentoran.

"We have to work hard to make sure that we are doing all we can to bring the best young players in this area to Coleraine."

Coyles is also looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I feel excited about it and I hope we can carry on the work that Aaron (Forgrave) was doing," he said.

"It's early days but we will have a look to see what's at the club already and the players coming through the Academy.

"Young players have always had an opportunity at Coleraine and the boys know that if they work hard they will get a chance.

"It's a great opportunity for Gacky to come back to the club and hopefully together we can play our part in the future."