Irish Premiership: 'It's an even bigger undertaking than I thought' - Coleraine's 24-year-old investor

Coleraine Football Club's new 24-year-old investor Henry Ross has admitted that the scale of the responsibility he has taken on is "an even big undertaking than I thought".

The Irish Premiership club revealed last week that the young property developer had joined the club as its latest financial backer.

Ross's support added to the club's list of investors which are headed by current owners Ranald McGregor-Smith and Patrick Mitchell.

Coleraine adopted a full-time model from the start of this season as a result of the substantial investment commitment they have received.

"Honestly, I underestimated what a big responsibility it is. Thereâ€TMs a bit of pressure but itâ€TMs a great challenge and great to be a part of," Ross told BBC Sport NI.

"Obviously I always knew about the clubâ€TMs rich heritage but being from the local area, seeing the great work that Patrick and Ranald, the other co-owners, had done before I even got involved, inspired me.

"They've done amazing work behind the scenes and we have a great CEO in Simon Magee. I'm just catching up now."

As a local man, Henry "grew up around the club" and is passionate about the area.

"Iâ€TMll be frank in saying that I was more of a rugby guy growing up but since becoming involved Iâ€TMm definitely a life-long Bannsider. I love where I'm from," he said.

"I didnâ€TMt really seek out looking to invest in a sporting organisation. It was more it came up and the fit was right.

"I reached out to Patrick on LinkedIn and things moved pretty quickly from there. We aligned instantly values wise and long-term vision wise."

Ross believes his involvement in the Ballycastle Road club can be a learning experience, as well as providing an opportunity to provide valuable input and youthful enthusiasm.

"This was such a great opportunity to give back to the community as well as just learn inside such a fascinating environment, as well as learning from great people.

"They [McGregor-Smith and Mitchell] are from Coleraine as well. Weâ€TMve got a really good ownership group. A great mix of the legal and the finance sector but then maybe the benefit of a youthful perspective as well. So I think I definitely can add value in some areas.

"There is a degree of wanting to keep the clubâ€TMs tradition but also wanting to modernise as you come into this. Professionalism is key - making sure we have a coherent structure in place so that weâ€TMre working towards a coherent vision."