Walker wants players to get back to basics

The Sky Blues boss had a busier then expected final week of transfer activity with two players going out and three coming in.

Walker moved swiftly to show striker Richard Gibson and midfielder Nathan Hanley the door after both players expressed an interest in playing elsewhere next season.

Gibson, who had signed a pre-contract agreement with Glentoran, was released from his contract to join the Oval side, while Nathan Hanley, who had back-tracked after agreeing a new deal at the Showgrounds, has joined Linfield

In their place come former Linfield midfielder Paul McAreavey, on a short-term deal until the end of the season, and two loan signings – Portadown midfielder Neil McCafferty and teenager Linfield striker Aaron Boyd.

“I’m very happy with the week’s work – once players declare their hand, there’s no point in keeping them,” Walker told Times Sport.

“It had the potential to be a very unsettling week but we dealt with it expeditiously. I must protect the group – they are more important than individuals.

“I had kids on the bench on Saturday from Ballymena who want to play for the team – they are more valuable to me than people who don’t want to be here or who want to go when it suits them.

“I would have liked to have got another striker. Aaron Boyd is a lad who we want to work with and try to improve but it’s a big ask of a young man to come in at the business end of a season and expect much of him.

I think there is every possibility he will become a very good player but it’s a lot to put on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Walker is delighted to have the services of Michael Smith, at least until the end of the season, while the defender makes a decision about his future.

“Michael is a top pro and he has conducted himself well.

“We’re happy to accommodate a move across the water but we don’t really want to lose him locally.

“We’re continuing to negotiate with him and that’s good. You can see from his performances in the past week, Michael gives you what he can and he has been very committed to the team this season.”

United return to league action this Saturday when they travel to Cliftonville (3pm) aiming to improve upon a 5-0 drubbing at the north Belfast venue in November. Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport for that game leaves Henry Street car park at 1.45pm.