Ferguson ready for ‘massive’ trip to Dungannon

Glenn Ferguson remains confident that he can turn Ballymena United's fortunes around.

Having stated publicly last weekend that he will not bow to supporters’ pressure to resign following Ballymena’s poor start to the campaign, Ferguson is determined to turn the Sky Blues’ fortunes around, starting with Saturday’s trip to Dungannon Swifts (3pm).

“We’ve had another frank discussion and the players are under no illusions about what we need,” said Ferguson.

“It’s difficult but we have had worse runs.

“It’s been a difficult start but there’s plenty of time to improve - I would be more concerned if we we’re in this position with 35 games gone.

“We have prepared well for the Dungannon game which is a massive game for us.

“It’s all hypothetical of course but if we can pick up six points from our next two games, we could move above maybe four clubs in the table - that’s how tight it is at the start of the season.

“We’ve worked on things in training during the week and if we can stop making silly mistakes, we will move forward,” he added.

Ferguson is likely to include Scottish defender Gareth Rodger in his panel after the player’s international clearance came through during the week, following his loan move from Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone.

Former Ballymena boss Tommy Wright, now in charge of the Perth side, sanctioned the move, which will see the player join the Braidmen until at least the turn of the year.

“We have had our eye on Gareth for some time now but were unable to bring him in,” Ferguson said.

“Thankfully we have been able to add him to our squad until January.

“Tommy believes he can do well in the Irish League and we are delighted to have him on board.

“Gareth is signed to January and then we will take things from there,” said Ferguson, who may yet make a move for veteran defender Paul Leeman, who was released by champions Crusaders at the end of the season.

“I have been talking to Paul for a couple of months now,” Ferguson said.

“He has a few work commitments at the minute but we are constantly talking to each other and we will see what happens.”

Ferguson may also include winger Leroy Millar for the trip to Dungannon after the homegrown player scored five goals in his last two outings for the reserves.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Saturday’s game at Stangmore Park leaves Henry Street car park at 1.30pm. The club’s Joker promotion will be drawn prior to departure.