McCutcheon leaves United with an armful of silverware

Amid a mood of optimism at the upturn in the club’s fortunes under Glenn Ferguson, there were regrets from United fans at waving goodbye to star player Gary McCutcheon, who will join Crusaders in the summer.

The impression that McCutcheon made on Ballymena during his two seasons at the club was evidenced by the armful of silverware which he left with.

The striker, who plundered 34 goals in the season just past, had the Leading Goalscorer award wrapped up before Christmas, but he was also named both the Seven Towers Supporters’ Club and Paradise Supporters’ Club Player of the year, while he also won the Noel Brown memorial award.

McCutcheon said he had been “overwhelmed” with the support he had received during his time at the club and he thanked Ferguson for keeping faith with him, even after announcing his decision to leave.

“I will be back at the Showgrounds, but you might not like me as much then!” he laughed.

Meanwhile, the current United management set up of Ferguson and coaches Lee Doherty, Norman Kelly and Wes Lamont has been given the thumbs-up by former Irish League player and manager-turned-pundit Liam Beckett, who was guest speaker at the function.

“They were all winners and all four will create a togetheress at United which was lacking in the past. They will create a self-belief, something that money cannot buy. You will only win something when everyone is working for the same cause,” he said.

Warm tributes were also paid to long-serving United sponsor Norman McBurney, whose 25 years of backing was marked with the presentation of a clock.

United official John Taggart, who was master of ceremonies for the evening, said: “Without Norman’s continued support we would not have been in a position to work alongside Governing bodies regarding getting grants and funding. The United Board decided to recognise all that he has done for us,” said John.

Mr. McBurney said he was honoured, adding: “I have great faith in Glenn (manager) and his team and look forward for bigger and better things,” he said.

* As well as Gary McCutcheon’s domination of the trophies, the other award winners were:

Under-16 Player of the Year – Peter McClure

Under-17 Player of the Year – Stephen Hamill

Youth Team Player of the Year – Jamie Fleming.

Reserve team Player of the Year – Eoin Gillan.

* The parent club received donations from both the Seven Towers and Paramount Supporters’ Clubs.

* Joe McCall speaking in his role as Head of Youth Development at United pointed out that young players will be given a chance to play for Ballymena but urged them to be patient.

* James Costello was named as Seven Towers Supporters’ Club Player of the Month for April after his late-season burst of goals.

* Seven Towers SC extends best wishes for a speedy recovery to vice-chairman David McCaig.

See this week’s Ballymena Times for more pictures from the event.