United's players set to begin pre-season training

And as the Sky Blues report back to the Showgrounds, it will herald the start of a new era for the club.

When David Jeffrey took over last February, the closure of the transfer window weeks earlier meant that he could only use the players who were at the club when he arrived.

Jeffrey successfully steered Ballymena away from any threat of relegation but made it very clear that he would seek new recruits and he has been as good as his word with no fewer than eight new signings joining the existing players as Jeffrey attempts to build a squad capable of competing in the top half of the Danske Bank Premiership.

Jeffrey has already announced a number of pre-season fixtures as the build-up continues to the new campaign.

United will make their annual trip over Shane’s Hill to face neighbours Larne at Eaton Park on Saturday July 16.

That is followed by trips to Knockbreda (July 23) and Limavady (July 30) with a number of midweek fixtures still to be pencilled in ahead of the big kick-off on August 6.