Walker hopes to wrap up Berry signing

BALLYMENA United boss Roy Walker this week hopes to complete the signing of midfielder Ryan Berry.

The Showgrounds manager hopes he can rekindle the player’s career after his release by Glentoran.

Berry broke into the Glens’ first team at the age of 17 but his career stalled and he spent most of last season on loan at Championship side Coagh United.

“It’s no mean feat in itself to play for Glentoran at such a young age and he will be tremendous value for money for us,” Walker told Times Sport.

“He was out of the team with an injury after playing quite regularly and when he came back, he was gradually squeezed out by big-name personnel.

“I’ve spoken to various people about the player and all the feedback I’ve been getting is good - he has a hunger for the game and a hunger to do well.

“He maybe hasn’t fully lived up to the potential he showed but hopefully Ryan and Ballymena can be good to each other.”

Berry is likely to be a straight replacement for Aidan Watson, who is leaving the Showgrounds after five years after being unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Walker is still in negotiations with veteran midfielder Darren Lockhart and is hopeful of securing the experienced player’s services on a short-term arrangement.

One player who won’t be joining Ballymena, however, is former Glentoran striker Michael Halliday, who hopes to secure a club closer to his home for work and personal reasons.

On the plus side, talented youngsters Lee McCaughern and Michael Smith - not to be confused with his first team namesake - have agreed to stay at the Showgrounds and both will be looking to break into the first team next term.

Walker has set up a couple of pre-season games, with United travelling to Limavady in a testimonial for former Ballymena midfielder Lee Patrick, while the club open day on July 24 will see the Sky Blues take on the Northern Ireland junior international side.

Walker is also hoping to organise a tour of Scotland as he wants his side to play higher-ranked opposition and the likelihood of top English sides visiting Northern Ireland this summer seems remote.