Coleraine boss Oran Kearney has revealed how he ‘did a Fergie’ prior to snapping up Larne forward Lee Lynch for an undisclosed fee on Monday night.
Sir Alex Ferguson famously took Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United in 1992 and 2003 following rave reviews from inside the Old Trafford changing room.
Cantona was talked up by Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister after the United defenders struggled to contain the French striker during his time at Leeds United.
Read more: Larne owner Kenny Bruce hits back at "shambles" charge after Lee Lynch moves to Coleraine
And it was a similar case with Ronaldo after the Portuguese teenager impressed the likes of Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs during a friendly with Sporting Lisbon.
Kearney always rated Lynch highly but told Coleraine TV that his determination to sign the 30-year-old was reinforced after a glowing recommendation from his own players.
“When we played Larne and you looked down their team sheet, if Lee wasn’t playing you were quite happy because of the energy and qualities he brought to the game,” said Kearney.
“Also when you speak to some of our players who played up against him and tried to mark him, he’s a real handful and a real headache from that point of view.
“He brings a lot of qualities with the ball and also a lot of energy. In the majority of games he probably ends up travelling further distances than most in the league.
“One of his best attributes is his energy and ability to get around the ground. He’s just turned 30 but his body is probably more like a 24 or 25-year-old in relation to how he performs.”
Kearney believes Lynch, who has also played for the likes of Sligo Rovers and Limerick, is perfectly suited to Coleraine’s 3G pitch which was installed at the start of last season.
He said: “We’ve spoken about it a few times, moving from the grass pitch to the (artificial) pitch we have now and the type of qualities we want to bring.
“Lee is very much at the top of that list in terms of what we were after. He can also create chances and he’s got a good eye for a goal.
“I just think in all aspects, on and off the pitch, in and out of the changing room, I think his personality and attitude is everything you’d want about your club.”
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Lynch, who joined Larne in 2019 and helped the club earn promotion to the Premiership and lift two County Antrim Shields, says working with Kearney was a key reason behind his move.
“I’m delighted to get it done and Oran was a big part in my decision," he told Coleraine TV. "I just want to stamp my authority on the team and help the squad progress even more next season.
“I think I can play a big part in that. They’ve shown a lot of faith in bringing me here. I want to repay that and play well for the team and become an integral part of the squad.”
Read more: Coleraine make their second signing of the summer with capture of Larne forward Lee Lynch
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