Former Irish League star delighted to see new Coleraine signing thriving after brave Sweden move

After struggling with injuries during his time at the Scottish giants, highly-rated Wylie found a new home under manager Stewart in the Swedish fourth-tier at Ytterhogdals.

Stewart could see similarities in their respective journeys – he was released from Wolves despite impressive form for the club’s reserves but still managed to forge a successful career for himself, lifting league titles at Linfield and Shamrock Rovers.

Ytterhogdal, a locality situated in Jämtland County which is home to around 540 people, was a far cry from Wylie’s previous experiences – both on and off the pitch – but provided him with a perfect full-time platform.

The 23-year-old seized his chance working alongside Stewart, who quickly named Wylie captain and helped him seal a return to Northern Ireland with Cliftonville in 2024.

Wylie has since went from strength to strength with his impressive form at Portadown over the past 18 months catching the eye of Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins.

Earlier this month, former Northern Ireland U21 international Wylie signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Bannsiders – much to the delight of Stewart.

"When he came out to Sweden with me, it was all full-time,” said Stewart. “We tried to get him back to the best level of fitness possible because he had just come from Celtic and been through a tough time with injuries.

"It was about getting his confidence back and he did very well for me. He was starting to show signs of his best and he has done really well since he went back home.

"It was just about guiding Ben, he was always a quality player and highly-rated coming through at Celtic. I put an arm around his shoulder, helped him grow and guide him back towards his best. I fully believed in him and I'm really pleased to see him doing well.

"He's so talented, he's a lovely boy with a great family, and I think he's going to thrive now. Getting back to his best, getting that belief and self-confidence back, was the biggest thing and he's excelling.

"I played with Ruaidhri and Kevin (Deery) at Derry City and they're two great lads. They'll look after him well and are two football people who also think about the person. I think you'll see the best of Ben over the coming months."

Wylie took the road less travelled to the top of Northern Irish football and Stewart is delighted to see him reaping the rewards of brave calls.

"It was definitely (a brave move to go to Sweden),” he added. “He was coming from one of the biggest clubs in the world and he was very highly-rated there but just had a bad time with injuries.

"I wanted to make sure he knew he would be well looked after with me. I had been through similar experiences. I told him he would benefit from being in a full-time environment with me, even though it was in a small town and club nowhere near the size of Celtic.

"You learn off your own experiences and I said to Ben that he would find something again, but you have to take a step back and do it the hard way. I think Coleraine have got a really good player."