Ferguson ready for post-season reshuffle

FOR a man who has seemingly taken to football management like a duck to water, Glenn Ferguson admits the next few weeks will be a big test – AFTER the season has ended!

The Ballymena United boss knows he will have to switch his attention from matters on the match to those off it ahead of a crucial summer of rebuilding his team.

“It will be a bit of a headache over the next three or four weeks with players coming out of contract, players in contract, who we keep, who we let go, who we bring in but it’s something that, as a manager, you have to take on board and work at.

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“You could probably go out and sign six or eight players but there’s no point signing players for the sake of it – we’re looking for players who can make a difference.

“But those are the players who are probably looking a wee bit more money so we have to make sure we balance the books.

“We won’t just let players go for the sake of freeing up money. If they’re good enough, they will possibly be offered new contracts but obviously money will have to be freed up if we want to bring players in.

“But it’s something we’re ready for and if we have to tell a player he’s no longer required, we’ll do that,” added Ferguson.

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United play their final home game of the season this Saturday when they take on Glenavon at the Showgrounds (3pm). The match will be sponsored by Paramount Supporters’ Club, who also hold their final monthly table quiz of the season this Friday night in the Bowling Club (8.30pm).

Supporters at Saturday’s match will be treated to special IFA promotional Fans Day with competitions, giveaways and entertainment at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

With free face-painting, keepy-up competitions, spot prizes and a crossbar challenge giving supporters the chance to win club merchandise, Carling goodies and even Season Tickets for the 2012/13 campaign.

At the Development Committee shop, all Umbro merchandise (including home and away shirts) will be half price this Saturday and tickets for the end of season dinner on 28th April will be on sale.

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* Anyone who had bought a ticket for the Seven Towers bus ahead of the ill-fated Irish Cup semi-final can claim a refund from chairman Tommy Patterson this Saturday.

The club has selected Gary McCutcheon as its Player of the Year.