Hard work lies ahead says new United chairman

The retired bank manager was appointed last week, replacing Robert Cupples, who stepped down last month after 14 years.

“We are currently forming a Board of Directors who will work alongside the existing Management Committee set-up,” said John, a lifelong supporter.

“I first came onto the Board at Ballymena in 2000 but so much has changed since then, particularly in terms of legislation in areas such as licensing. However, the club is in a much better position than it was in 2000 thanks to the hard work and diligence of good people behind the scenes.

“I have already said that my two aims are success on the pitch and financial stability off it.

“But we have to be realistic as well in terms of the budgets we have available to us for players - a lot of it is going to come down to hard graft and determination.

“We have a very good management set-up at present. In the past 18 months we’ve won a trophy, reached the Irish Cup final and the semi-finals of the other two knockout events last year - it’s been some time since we have reached the latter stages of cups on such a regular basis.

“It was unfortunate we couldn’t get over the line in the Irish Cup final as it would have given the club the financial kick-start it needs, added John, whose new vice-chairman will be long-serving club official Don Stirling.