Boyd: Coleraine moving in the right direction

The former Linfield and Ballymena United striker put pen to paper on an 18-month deal following his release from the Sky Blues last week, and he told Times Sport he rebuffed several other clubs as he felt Coleraine was the place to be.

“I just feel Coleraine is moving in the right direction,” said Boyd.

“A couple of other clubs had made contact. But once I spoke with Oran and saw what direction the club is going and listening to his plans for the future there was only one place I wanted to be.

“I’ve signed for a year and a half so I’ve a bit of time to make an impact and hopefully help the club to continue to progress.

“I have ambitions, I want to be involved with a successful team who are doing well in the league and challenging for honours.

“I know I still have to prove myself as an established Irish League player, but I want to be at a club that has that ambition and is going in the right direction.

“From what Coleraine have achieved this season and from what I’ve heard from the management and players it seems like the right place to be, and I’m excited to be here.

“Unfortunately I’m cup tied for the League Cup final, but it’s just one of those things. “The lads have done brilliant to get there. It’s a great day out for the club and hopefully I’ll be there to enjoy it.

“I think it could be a sign of what’s to come. Coleraine have shown what they’re about this season. Their league form has been excellent, so it’s no coincidence they are in the final.”

There’s no shortage of familiar faces in the Bannsiders’ fold for Boyd, who was a prolific scorer as he came through the ranks at Linfield.

“I’ve known Oran for a long time obviously from our days with Linfield,” he said.

“He was in the first team as I was coming through the ranks.

“And then obviously there is Curtis and Shane, who I both played with.

“It will certainly help make things a bit easier for me, especially coming in at this stage of the season.

“I’ve also worked with Wesley Gregg and Trevor McKendry before, so it’s good to have that familiarity that these guys know my game and have confidence in me.”