New signing Gary sets 20-goal target

Not since the 1999-2000 season, when Glenn Hunter's goals almost single-handedly kept United in the Premier Division, has a Ballymena player his 20 goals in the top division - a target immediately set by McCutcheon.

"I was surprised when Roy told me that the best total Kevin Kelbie managed in his time at Ballymena was 16 goals because Kevin is known throughout the Irish League as a goalscorer," McCutcheon told Times Sport.

"It seems that Ballymena have maybe been a wee bit short of goals and hopefully I can continue to score the numbers of goals I have done over the years and help fix that.

"Roy (Walker) and I hit it off straight away and it was just one of those situations where signing for Ballymena felt like the right thing to do.

"I'm glad to have my future sorted out before the end of May and I'm looking forward to meeting up with the lads for pre-season," added McCutcheon, a technician at a cheese processing plant in his native Stranraer, from where he will travel on matchdays.

"It will actually take him less time to travel from Scotland than it would do for a player coming up from Dublin," said Walker, after landing his biggest-name signing of the summer so far.

"I'm delighted to get Gary because players of his pedigree don't come on the market every day and we moved post-haste to get a deal done.

"He wanted to come to Ballymena and that, for me, is mega-important because in a lot of cases, either players want too much money or else they want to play for Barcelona.

"He came over from Scotland to sign on Saturday and our physio Gordon McCartney gave him a quick medical - we felt it was prudent for a 30-year-old but he got a completely clean bill of health."

McCutcheon becomes United's fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Richard Gibson, Ryan Berry, Denver Gage and goalkeeper Ryan Brown, whose move from Larne was completed last week.

"I'm pleased with what we have done by the end of May and the calibre of player we have been able to attract but there are still a couple of positions I would like to strengthen."

Walker will run his eye over attacking midfielder Rory Carson at pre-season training. The player, who has been released by Bradford City, is based in County Down but has relatives in the Ballymena area.

"I have spoken to Rory and his preference is to stay in England but I have told him that a good season in the Irish League could take him back there," added Walker, who is also trailing a Canadian professional who is moving to Northern Ireland to carry out ministry work.

The manager will meet with defender Albert Watson (tonight) Tuesday when the former skipper's future or otherwise at the club is likely to be decided.

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