GASTON RESIGNS

After just over a year in charge of Ballymoney United, Gaston said he made his decision after training last Thursday night, but didn’t tell the Board or the players until before Saturday’s game with Knockbreda.

On Saturday night, Ballymoney United issued a statement thanking both Gaston and his assistant Ronnie McDowell for their efforts.

After registering one win in seven games, Ballymoney United now sit in eleventh position in Championship Two.

“I wasn’t getting the support from certain players, some players had left the club and to be honest we were down to the bare bones,” Gaston told Times Sport on Monday morning.

“As a footballer myself, I always respected the players I played with and the manager - but this wasn’t happening.

“I have now cut all ties with Ballymoney United.”

Gaston went on to thank his assistant Ronnie McDowell, who he said he looked up to as a young boy learning the game.

“Ronnie was finishing his career at Limavady as I was just starting mine.

“I have always respected Ronnie McDowell, and I know he put his heart and soul into things like myself at Ballymoney United.

“We both felt that we had done all that we could and we just weren’t getting anywhere.”

Gaston said he felt that he was not getting the support of some Board members after he introduced young players to the squad after a run of injuries to key players.

“People were telling me players weren’t ready - but I feel that you will never know if a young player is ready until they have been thrown in. As a young player myself I was thrown in at the deep end at Coleraine, and I learned quickly.

“Management is a hard game, and to be honest I don’t know what my future holds now in football.”

On Monday afternoon, Ballymoney Chairman, Noel Lamont told Times Sport that a committee meeting had been called for Monday evening.

“Both Paul and Ronnie left Ballymoney United on good terms.

“Football is a results business and unfortunately we were not picking up results.”

Noel confirmed that as yet no one has made any enquiries about the vacant position, but he said that the Board were hopeful of appointing someone as soon as possible.