United chairman dismisses Ferguson '˜sack' rumours

Within minutes of the final whistle in today’s 4-2 Danske Bank Premiership defeat by Dungannon Swifts - United’s fifth straight loss - social media was awash with rumours that the club had parted company with its manager.

Ferguson missed the match - his 200th game in charge - through illness but there were again calls from disgruntled fans for him to step down.

The club chairman said he was aware of the speculation but added: “Glenn is still the manager of Ballymena United.”

When asked about the rumours, assistant manager Lee Doherty said: “We haven’t been told that’s the case.

“We go again on Tuesday night - we won’t give up on it.

“I can guarantee you, I know what Glenn Ferguson is made of and he will never quit.

“He might be told that his duties are no longer required but I know no-one will be more frustrated than Glenn.

“I understand the supporters’ frustration 100 per cent - all I can ask is that they be patient and we are trying to do our utmost but it’s a results-driven business, we know that as well.

“But we definitely not bow down to any pressure in any shape or form or give up the ghost - it’s not in our DNA.”

The defeat saw Ballymena drop to ninth place in the table, just five points above the relegation play-off.

Doherty said: “The thrust of my team talk was that this game could be a defining moment in our season - if we win we would be fighting for that European place; if we lose, we’re in a dogfight.

“Now we have to be very much looking at what is happening behind us.

“We can’t change the squad between now and the end of the season so we have to keep trying to get as much out of the players as we possibly can,” added Doherty.