Walker situation unclear as United face crunch week

AS Ballymena United enter a week which could potentially make or break their season, confusion still surrounds the position of manager Roy Walker.

Weekend media reports suggested that Walker was considering his future after the Sky Blues’ humiliating 0-3 home defeat by bottom club Donegal Celtic on Saturday - a result which stretched United’s winless streak to nine games.

Walker did not hold his usual post-match press conference and despite attempts to contact him yesterday (Monday), he was still not available for comment to help clarify the situation.

It is understood that Roy considered his position after Saturday’s game, while Times Sport understands that several senior players held talks with the manager aimed at preventing him from walking away.

The timing of this uncertainty could scarcely be worse as United face two games which could be pivotal to their hopes of reaching the top six, when the league splits at the end of this month.

A month ago, United looked to have one foot in the top six but a depressing downward spiral - which reached its nadir with Saturday’s loss to DC - has thrown that into jeopardy.

United must recover quickly with title-chasing Crusaders visiting the Showgrounds tonight (Tuesday, 7.45pm) followed by a rearranged trip on Saturday (3pm) to Lisburn Distillery - one of the sides battling United for a coveted top six position.

Assistant boss Wesley Gregg admits the quick turnaround of tonight’s game is a blessing for United’s players after Saturday’s debacle.

“I think the players would have been on the training ground on Sunday morning if they had been given the option,” said Gregg.

“One thing in football is that you don’t stop – you keep going right to the end and we will get ready and go again.

Persistence is the greatest gift at the minute, rather than any other talent.

“There are other teams who would still like to be in our position so we will go again on Tuesday night.

“We have been saying at the club for a long time that Tuesday and Thursday are for coaches, Saturday is for players.

“We want them to go and express themselves within the boundaries of the jobs we give them.

“The big word here this week will be pride,” added Gregg.

United face a rampant Crusaders team who have scored in EVERY league game they’ve played this season - a phenomenal record - before a real ‘six-pointer’ at Distillery.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport for that game leaves Henry Street car park at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, Seven Towers SC has selected defender Albert Watson as its Player of the Month for February. The award was selected and sponsored by Alan Stewart and his grandson Sam.

United officials have expressed sadness at the passing of former Board member John Wray Patterson, who was buried on Sunday and extend sympathy to the family circle.