More to come from ‘Gibbo’ says boss
Thursday, 18 September 2008
RICHARD Gibson is only just warming to the task of leading the Coleraine line according to boss David Platt, this despite his blistering start to his time at the Showgrounds.
The 23-year-old Maghera man has become an instant hero with Bannsiders' supporters after netting six goals in five games for the new league leaders.
He and his colleagues face the toughest test of the season to date this Saturday when they face unbeaten Glentoran at the Oval, never a happy hunting ground for the Showgrounds side.
You have to go back almost five years to December 2003 for Coleraine's last victory in east Belfast when a superb Gary Haveron strike secured the points.
However, with Gibson and Stephen Carson forming a formidable striking partnership and confidence high following two wins inside a week, manager Platt says his team will go there seeking three points.
“Saturday's a bigger game, it's a bigger step-up and it will test us," admitted Platt. "We've had them watched in the last few weeks and they haven't conceded a goal in I think it's three games now.
“But there's three points up for grabs as there is every match and while we will show them respect we won't have any fear.
“I'm mindful of the fact that it's a long time since we got a win there and it'll be a good test for the players. There are areas where I think we can get joy from but at the same time we have to make sure that we're hard to beat."
The manager, fresh from Saturday's 3-1 win over Bangor and former boss Marty Quinn, will use this week's training to finalise his squad and starting line-up for the Oval clash.
He had hoped to arrange a friendly for Tuesday evening but will now concentrate on preparing his side with a couple of productive training sessions instead.
“Looking back over our six games I don't think we've played the same team twice," continued the 33-year-old civil servant. "I was trying to arrange a game to give some of the boys some game time but I think they'll be ready for Saturday anyway."
One man ready for the challenge is striker Gibson who opened the scoring against Bangor with a well-taken left-foot strike.
Out of the game for over a year following a broken leg, the former Glenavon man is finding his feet again under Platt and assistant Geoff Ferris who worked with him at Tobermore United.
“'Gibbo' is doing very well," said Platt. "He's a very quiet fella and very honest as well and I think there's more in him.
“If you look at the past 14 months he's probably only played around eight games and five of those have been in the past three weeks.
“It's a long-term thing and we are trying to nurse him along towards full fitness. He's gaining in fitness and confidence every week and he's looking to improve. Geoff has worked with him before and feels he can improve which is good news for the club. We'll be working to keep the players fully focused on the job in hand this week and that's getting another three points. We'll go to the Oval expecting to get something out of the game." And he had this to say to supporters basking in the moment of seeing their club top the league for the first time since February 2002.
“I say to supporters, let's enjoy the moment - it's been a long time since we've been top of the league. Within the changing room, though, we'll be keeping the players fully focused. It's still very early days so let's not get too excited."
