United midfield duo sign new contracts

The midfield duo have agreed new deals until the end of the 2013/14 season.

With their current agreements due to expire at the end of the present campaign, United boss Glenn Ferguson moved quickly to secure the players’ signature before they entered the final six months of their contracts, when other clubs could legally approach them with a view to signing them.

“Other clubs have been sniffing and we don’t want to be caught in the scenario we were with Gary McCutcheon where teams come in and sign our players in January and then we’re left in limbo,” Ferguson told Times Sport.

“We were aware of interest in the two players from other clubs and we wanted to nip that in the bud straight away.

“Gavin has been doing well – he is more disciplined and fitter than he was previously and he is enjoying playing for Ballymena.

“We can see he’s a good footballer and he doesn’t like losing which is half the battle.”

Ferguson has also ended speculation over the future of Scotsman Jenkins who is currently sidelined with medial knee ligament damage which had prompted suggestions that the club’s highest earner might not have his deal renewed.

“It’s irrelevant how much Allan earns, it’s what he brings to the team that is important,” said Ferguson.

“He’s the team captain, he leads by example, he drives us forward and he scores goals – there aren’t that many of that type of player about.

“I think Allan was a wee bit concerned because he picked up the injury whether he would get another contract with us but we thought we would give him an early boost and also rubber-stamp what we’re trying to do at the club.

“He had no hesitation in signing and now when he gets himself fit, it will be like a new signing for us in January.

“We’ve identified players we want to keep at the club and the majority of them are now signed up beyond this season and we will be talking to others,” added Ferguson.