WATCH: "We were getting a bit carried away...taking games for granted" Lowry on Coleraine's reality check
Last updated 25th Oct 2018
Coleraine midfielder Stephen Lowry has admitted they may have got a little “carried away” with Danske Bank Premiership title talk – after enjoying one of the best seasons in the club’s history.
He says they may have taken their success for granted.
Lowry was speaking as a guest on our latest BetMcLean football show in partnership with NIFL, now available to view on Cool FM’s Facebook show (see link below) and to download as a podcast.
"I think when I came to the club, we were thinking about challenging for leagues and cups, but we have to take it one game at a time,” he said.
“We were getting a bit carried away, talking about games three or four weeks in advance, taking games for granted."
The Bannsiders have already been through major changes this season.
Cup-winning boss Oran Kearney left for St Mirren, and was replaced by Rodney McAree.
Lowry, who returned to the club over summer, says it's been a difficult transition for some players.
"I think it has been difficult,” he said. “Maybe not so much for the senior players but I think Oran shaped a lot of the younger players, who had only ever worked under him, and a lot of them had grown their confidence under him.
“A new manager coming in has been a totally new experience for them."
The 32-year-old says it was great for McAree to get a first win under his belt.
"Realistically, the only way is probably down because they were fighting for first in the league, and then won the Irish Cup,” he said.
“ It's been hard for Rodney coming in, but I was delighted for him on Saturday and the players have really bought into his style and what he wants to do, so hopefully we can kick on from here."
Lowry also says he has no regrets about returning to the Showgrounds but they need to do better as a team.
"We want to be better but we know it's not easy,” he said. “We've found out the hard way that teams now see us as a scalp. I'm loving being here, but we want to do better."
Also guesting this week is Ards boss Colin Nixon.