‘He is central to our journey’: Coleraine release statement backing Oran Kearney amidst tough run

Oran Kearney's Coleraine have slipped to four straight defeats

Coleraine have released a statement describing manager Oran Kearney as “central to our journey” amidst a run of four defeats in a row in the Sports Direct Premiership.

The Bannsiders have been in alarming form recently, with Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Loughgall at the Showgrounds the latest in a line of poor performances from Kearney’s men.

The club have been plagued by injuries, with the manager admitting that they need to bring in reinforcements in the transfer window, but that hasn’t prevented some fans voicing their displeasure on social media.

That also extended to the fans in attendance at their game against Ballymena United on Boxing Day, which saw a large group of supporters urge the club to move on from Kearney.

The former Linfield midfielder has been in charge at Coleraine for 12 years – apart from a one-year spell away with Scottish side St Mirren – and in that time has led the club to the Irish Cup in 2018 and a second-placed finish in the Premiership in the same season.

And the Coleraine board have backed their man to stay in the job for the foreseeable future, insisting he is the right man to lead them into a new era, while also voicing their displeasure at the abuse being hurled at Kearney.

"Coleraine FC is a club focused on building strong foundations on and off the pitch,” read the club’s statement.

“The Board of Coleraine FC acknowledges recent first team results have been disappointing, even with a number of complicating factors impacting the team.

“However, for over 12 seasons, Oran has been central to our club’s journey, kick-starting football careers and providing collective success to the town and surrounding community.

“Like with any