Former Shelbourne captain Mark Coyle joins Coleraine

Mark Coyle has left Shelbourne as he joins Coleraine for an undisclosed fee.

The Donegal native joined the Reds from Finn Harps in 2022, and he spent four seasons at Tolka Park, making 132 appearances before being named captain in 2023.

The 28-year-old captained Shelbourne to their first League of Ireland Premier Division title in eighteen years in 2024 under Damien Duff, while they also qualified for the UEFA Conference League in 2025.

But the midfielder has taken on a new challenge, signing a two and a half year contract with the Bannsiders.

Speaking to Coleraine club media, boss Ruaidhri Higgins said: “We are delighted because Mark will bring so much to the group.

“He’s got fantastic leadership; he captained Shelbourne to winning the league title and qualifying for the league phase of Europe.

“He brings quality and a know-how, but it’s also about day-to-day behaviour and habits in terms of how he trains and conducts himself.

“He will help to build a culture here that eventually turns us into winners, so to bring Mark with that experience and quality is huge for us.

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“When we got permission from Shelbourne to speak to him, we had some brilliant conversations and he showed a real commitment and is excited about what we are trying to build here.

“He’s in his prime years for a midfielder. He’ll bring a real drive, a real hunger and quality to the group.”

Coleraine are currently second in the NIFL Premiership, seven points off league leaders Larne.

The side have been consistently in the top six over the last decade, narrowly finishing second three times in 2018, 2020 and 2021.

Meanwhile, Coleraine comfortably booked their place in the sixth round of the Irish Cup with a 4-0 win over Crusaders at the Showgrounds on Friday night.

Mark Connolly marked his home debut by scoring the opener against the Hatchetmen.

The ex-Derry City man hailed the capture of Mark Coyle and the qualities he will bring both on and off the pitch, as well as how his body is feeling after completing two full 90 minutes in his two appearances to date.

Coleraine will now face Carrick Rangers in the sixth-round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

The draw was made following Saturday’s fifth-round action.

The tie is scheduled to take place at Taylors Avenue on the weekend of February 6 and 7.