‘Business as usual’ insists under-fire Walker

ROY Walker has insisted he will not walk away from his job as Ballymena United manager.

The Sky Blues supremo said he would consider his position over the weekend, in the wake of a humiliating 5-1 home defeat by bitter rivals Coleraine.

However, it was a bullish Walker who told Times Sport on Monday that he has every intention of continuing in the role he has held for three-and-a-half years.

“It’s very much business as usual,” insisted Roy.

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“I have been talking to some of the people I wanted to talk to, others I haven’t managed to speak to as yet, but the discussions I have had have been positive.

“Those discussions will continue but in the meantime I have a team to prepare for tonight’s game (at home to Chimney Corner in the Irn Bru League Cup).

“I need to have a sit down with the first team squad and have some clear-the-air talks with them and find out their feelings and thoughts.

“Without deflecting criticism away from myself, it’s the players making mistakes when they cross the white line - there is no coaching or management in the world that can legislate for some of the mistakes we’ve made in matches.

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“Some players are simply freezing in matches and teams aren’t having to earn goals against us - they are being gifted goals.

“The mentality of the players is something which is of concern to me - how can you freeze in a game that means so much?”

Walker had said after Saturday’s game that he would consult with his family, but he added on Monday: “My family are always behind me in whatever I do.”

When asked if he thought the job will become more difficult in the wake of the result and performance against Coleraine, the manager replied: “It’s difficult to win people over until the evidence of what they witness with their own eyes on the pitch changes.

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“The only thing that will stop that is good, positive performances, especially at home where our performances have been abject.

“But I don’t want to leave the situation of my position hanging where people might say ‘he is not committed’ - it is very much business as usual and I have the appetite to battle on,” added Roy.

United will be expected to progress comfortably against their Championship Two neighbours Corner in tonight’s second round tie.

The game will be played to a finish and admission charges will be £7 for adults and £5 concessions.

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On Saturday, the Sky Blues put their remarkable 100 per cent Carling Premiership away record on the line when they travel to the Oval to face Glentoran (3pm).

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport for that game leaves Henry Street car park at 2pm. Prior to that, the Seven Towers club will hold a meeting at 1.30pm when the latest winner in its Joker promotion will be drawn.

Paramount BUSC holds its first monthly table quiz of the season in the Bowling Club this Friday evening, September 23 in the Bowling Club (8.30pm). Regular attenders should note the change in date from the normal last-Friday-of-the-month slot.

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