New United duo can provide spark - Ferguson

The Sky Blues were finally able to announce the signings of the former Lisburn Distillery pair last week in what had become the worst-kept secret of the summer and Ferguson is looking forward to seeing them in action.

“They both bring a lot of energy, work rate and aggression in the way they play,” Ferguson told Times Sport.

“I have already seen in our pre-season games that Gary has formed a good partnership with Allan Jenkins and Gary’s style of driving forward will be important for us.

“People say that David Cushley can be erratic but he can also score important goals.

“As well as that, his delivery from set-pieces is excellent.”

United maintained their unbeaten pre-season to date with a 2-0 win over Dundalk during the club’s Open Day on Saturday and Ferguson is pleased with how the warm-up campaign has gone.

“Results don’t really mean anything in pre-season - although I don’t like losing at any time - it’s performances that are more important and I’ve been pleased with ours.

“I’ve been drumming into the boys the importance of their fitness because that will stand by them for the rest of the season.

“We’ve been playing good football in pre-season and from the stats we’re getting from Clifford Adams, our ball retention and pass completion have been very good.

“It’s also been nice to see a number of different players chipping in with goals because that will be important for us as we haven’t signed a direct replacement for Gary McCutcheon.”

Ferguson takes his side to Ballymoney United for a friendly tonight (Tuesday) but a scheduled home game against Tobermore for tonight has been cancelled.

On Saturday, United travel to Amateur League side Derriaghy Cricket Club, a side who they knocked out of the Irish Cup last season.

The club launched its new kit - supplied by Kukri - last week.

United Company Secretary Neil Coleman said, “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Kukri Sports and under Glenn Ferguson, these are exciting times to be involved with Ballymena United so we would encourage all our supporters to show their colours by purchasing the new shirts ahead of the new season”.

United have been drawn at home to either Loughgall or Lurgan Celtic in the second round of the Irn Bru League Cup on Monday, August 27, while the scheduled home Danskebank Premiership game against Lisburn Distillery on September 1 has been brought forward to Friday, August 31, due to a clash with a stock car meeting.