Neil Coulter has played with Ballinamallard United, Dergview United and Enniskillen Rangers throughout a long local footballing career and now is enjoying a halcyon swansong as he prepares to play at Windsor Park for the second time in 12 months with Enniskillen Rangers.
The no-nonsense central defender was quite superb in the semi-final win over Harryville Homers and is undoubtedly one of the main reasons that the ‘Gers are back in the Junior decider following what has been a tough path to the decider. 
It took Neil a long time to get to play at Windsor Park, but it did not disappoint first time around and he can’t wait to get back again. 
“It was an unbelievable experience last year and I think that did spur all the boys on to get back there again. Certainly for myself, I waited a long time to get to play at Windsor and the prospect of getting back there again is something that we are all looking forward to,” revealed Neil. 
He also thinks that the experience of last year will stand to the ‘Gers. 
“I think that definitely the pitch will suit our players and we have plenty of speed on the flanks. We also know what the final and the surroundings are all about after last year and we also saw the dejection on the Hill Street players faces at the final whistle, so we don’t want to be in that position, that’s for sure.” 
Neil has experienced first team action with Ballinamallard United as they won Irish League Division Two and made an Intermediate Cup final whilst he made his debut in the old B Division under Mallards stalwart Julian Nixon. 
He was also player manager of Ballinamallard Reserves when they defeated Tummery in the 2011 Mulhern Cup final. 
“I had moved on from Ballinamallard and wanted to test myself with Dergview in the Championship. Then work took me away to Germany before Michael came calling and asked me to come to Rangers. He felt my experience would help the team and it started from there. We all got a good pre-season in last year and went on to win the Junior. 
“The boys were all first class to be honest and have shown the commitment and dedication that Michael has demanded. If my experience can help the younger lads and have a positive influence on the team then that is good.” 
Neil expects a tough final but knows player manager Kerr will have his work done and Rangers will prepared for the Bank Holiday showpiece. 
“It is sure to be a tough game, we have played some good teams on the way to the final and Greenisland will be no different. I know we will all be busting a gut to retain the title. Michael and his management team will leave no stone unturned in our preparations which will be down  to a tee. I waited my whole career to play at Windsor, now I’m going twice in 12 months and I am going to try and make the most of it.”