Will Patching joins Coleraine on loan from Carlisle United
Midfielder Will Patching has joined Coleraine on a season long loan from Carlisle United. Photo: Richard Parkes.
Reporter:
Damian Mullan
Email:
damian.mullan@thechronicle.uk.com
Thursday 12 June 2025 22:15
Ruaidhri Higgins is set to be reunited with Will Patching as the Carlisle United midfielder joins Coleraine on a season long loan for 2025-26.
The new Bannsiders' boss is busy putting his own stamp on the squad he inherited from former manager Dean Shiels and, in Patching, has recruited a player he knows very well.
The pair worked together for a time at Dundalk before spending three years together at Derry City, culminating in a famous FAI Cup triumph in 2022.
The 26-year-old was a central figure for the Candystripes during Higgins' time in charge and was named in the PFAI Team of the Season in three consecutive seasons - 2021, 2022 and 2023.
"Will is an extremely talented player who I had the pleasure of working with at Dundalk for a period and then for three years as Derry City manager," Higgins told the Coleraine FC website.
"He scored over 30 goals and provided over 30 assists during his time at Derry, so his output from midfield is outstanding.
"He is a fantastic footballer and I know the last nine to 12 months hasn't gone the way he would have liked personally.
"So, I know he'll have a real hunger to show people what he's capable of and, when he's happy, he is an absolute joy to watch.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have him here and I'm really looking forward to working with him again," he added.
Patching began his career at Manchester City at the age of six before gaining his first senior experience at Notts County.
After a year at the Magpies, Patching moved to Ireland and signed for Dundalk ahead of the 2020 campaign, before joining Derry City on loan in February 2021.
A permanent spell at the Candystripes - under Ruaidhri Higgins' management - followed as Patching excelled at the Brandywell, playing a starring role as Derry City won the 2022 FAI Cup.
Patching's eye-catching performances drew the attention of clubs across UK and Ireland but it was Carlisle who won the race for his services in January this year.
On the international stage, Patching played for England U17s in the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile.
