Tomelty praises Ports as he leaves for Coleraine

Jamie Tomelty.

Published on 04/01/2013 10:30

JAMIE Tomelty was keen to close the door on his Portadown career in positive fashion following confirmation last night (Thursday) of a deal to join Coleraine.

Ronnie McFall, the Ports boss, cited “fitness issues” as the reason for Tomelty’s absence on New Year’s Day against Crusaders. He also confirmed interest this week in the winger from Coleraine, Ballymena United and Glenavon.

Coleraine agreed a two-and-a-half year contract with Tomelty on Thursday and the playmaker will now link up at The Showgrounds with his former Linfield team-mate, Oran Kearney – the latter, of course, now manager.

“I leave Portadown only with good memories and it was simply a football decision,” said Tomelty. “There was never any row with anyone, just a case of moving on for the next step in my career.

“I owe a massive thanks to Ronnie McFall, Kieran Harding and Trevor Williamson, as well as people around the club like Melissa Harrison and Geordie Richardson.

“Portadown is a special club and I will always have praise for the fans and everyone around the place.

“However, I am 29 years old now and see Coleraine as an excellent opportunity.

“I accept I will have to work hard to get into the side but it is a good club and I am looking forward to getting back my match sharpness.

“It has been a stop-start season for me at Portadown and extremely frustrating so it seems the right time to move on.”

Injury problems disrupted Tomelty’s progress for the Ports following his move to Shamrock Park from Linfield in 2011.

“I picked up a groin problem last year against Donegal Celtic and that knocked me back over the end of the season,” said Tomelty. “I then went to Australia in the summer so was chasing the pre-season fitness.

“I had an injury relapse with hamstring problems but came back in and felt good, only to damage a tendon in my finger through work.

“That was another setback but I recently returned to training and have just finished my rehab from the operation.

“It will probably take two or three weeks to get up to full speed.

“I am sad to be leaving Portadown and loved my time at the club but now it is about looking forward to the next chapter at Coleraine.”

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Tomelty praises Ports as he leaves for Coleraine

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