INSTITUTE centre back Mark Scoltock could be on his way out of the club.
The Waterside man who is out of contract, is currently mulling over a part-time contract offer from eircom League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers, after completing a week's trial with Paul Cook's side.
Scoltock who missed most of las
t season through injury would be a major loss for boss John Gregg, however he is still hopeful the defender will remain at the Riverside Stadium.
"Mark is a quality player, but from my point of view I feel he needs to get fully fit and that's what I'll be attempting to do because he's still a major part of my plans for next season," he said.
"In my opinion if Mark is over his injury problems and right at himself, then he is definitely one of the best defenders in the league. As for Sligo it wouldn't surprise me if they were trying to sign him, but I want him to stay with us."
If the former Limavady United man did leave Drumahoe, Gregg may have to dip back into the transfer market. Even though Scoltock has been injury prone over the last 12 months, when fit he still produced a host of man of the match displays, particularly during last season's narrow 1-0 defeat at Linfield.
Scoltock, alongside Paddy McLaughlin, marshalled the twin strike force of Kevin McHugh and Mark McAllister for long periods that evening and the only goal of the match came in the dying minutes whenever the big centre-half had been replaced because he injured his shoulder.
'Stute who start pre-season training next Tuesday have also announced details of their pre-season friendly matches.
John Gregg's side host Tamworth on Wednesday, July 15 (KO 7.30pm), before entertaining junior side Glebe Rangers on Saturday, July 18 (KO 2.30pm).
On Tuesday, July 21 intermediate side Churchill United host 'Stute at Wilton Park (KO 7.30pm), that Saturday, July 25 Championship side and North West neighbours Limavady United take on Institute, at the Showgrounds (KO 3pm).
Saturday, August 1 Institute travel to Portstewart (KO 2.30pm), while the club also hope to arrange away fixtures at both Dergview and Tobermore United.
Supporters are also reminded to note that most fixtures will be away from the Riverside Stadium due to ongoing works at the installing of new floodlights during the month of June, July and early August.
Meanwhile the next meeting of the Official Institute Supporters Club will take place at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday, July 7, at 7.30pm sharp and all will be made welcome.
