Legend Sammy featured in club programme this weekend

ONE of the greatest characters in Ballymena United’s history will be featured in the club’s matchday programme for this Saturday’s home game against Coleraine.

Sammy Frickleton’s name is known in club folklore not older by fans who watched his dazzling skills in United’s team in the 1970s but also be the club’s younger generation of fans who have been brought up on a tales of Sammy’s legendary on and off-field exploits!

Sammy still keeps in touch with United’s progress via the internet and it was through social networking site Facebook that United programme editor Bill Wray tracked down Frickleton, who now lives in England.

In a wide-ranging interview, he talks about his time at Ballymena, his love of greyhounds, his famous King Billy tattoo and his regrets about his career.

“I absolutely loved my time in Ballymena and have some great memories,” said Sammy.

Of that famous tattoo, Sammy says: “I got it done in Ballymena the night before we played Ards - and we won too!”

See this Saturday’s matchday programme for full interview.