McBurney Transport announce three year United sponsorship extension
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Norman McBurney (centre), managing director of McBurney Transport, Moorefields Road, Balllymena, who has announced a three-year extension on his sponsorship of Ballymena United. Included are Mr. McBurney's two sons, Philip and Derek.
McBurney Transport announce three year United sponsorship extension
Norman McBurney, Managing Director of McBurney Transport, has announced a three-year extension as main sponsor of Showgrounds soccer side Ballymena United, writes Shaun O'Neill.
Mr. McBurney has been United's main sponsor for the past 21 years - and the new deal brings his financial backing to almost a quarter-of-a-century.
Details of the sponsorship extension were announced at the Showgrounds last Thursday night.
With the backdrop of two McBurney Transport lorry cabs Mr. McBurney, standing near the tunnel, said he was delighted to be extending his sponsorship deal.
The former United Chairman and current club President is understood to be one of the longest football club sponsors ever!
Joining him at the announcement were two of his sons, Philip, and Derek.
Ballymena United Chairman Robert Cupples said the club is "absolutely delighted" at the new three-year sponsorship deal.
The McBurney Transport group began in 1965 with the formation of McBurney Transport in Ballymena by Norman McBurney.
Over the past 40 years the company has grown substantially to become one of Ireland's largest independently run logistics operations.
Two years ago the McBurney Transport Group was named Irish and International Haulier of the Year.
They offer a wide and varying range of transportation and warehousing services tailored to meet each of their customers needs throughout Northern Ireland, UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe.
The company has busy depots in Ballymena, Dublin, Penrith and Liverpool.
It is a family run business with founding member Mr. McBurney joined by his wife Lynn and five children, who are all actively involved in the daily operations of the group.
McBurney Transport currently employ 600 staff throughout their depots.
Strikers have mixed views
on their roles at United!
Strikers Neil Teggart and Kevin Kelbie have mixed views on their futures at Ballymena United, writes Shaun O'Neill.
New signing Teggart cannot wait to return to action - while Kelbie cannot want to make his exit from the Showgrounds side!
Big Teggart, who was banging in the goals in pre-season friendly matches in recent weeks, has been sidelined with a nasty knee injury.
Kelbie, who netted against Portadown in Saturday's pre-season friendly, slapped in a transfer request after the game.
Linfield are interested in signing the Scot, who has been Ballymena's top marksman in the past couple of seasons.
The Blues have offered £20,000 - a figure United have laughed at.
Linfield recently sold striker Peter Thompson to Stockport for a fee reported to be around £100,000.
United boss Roy Walker will deal with the Kelbie situation.
He is becoming something of a 'transfer request specialist.
Only recently captain Albert Watson and left-back Craig McClean put in transfer requests - and Walker sorted out the problems, and now happily reports that both are back and fully committed to play for the Sky Blues.
Meanwhile, goal-getter Teggart cannot wait to get back playing!
The 23-year-old from Ardglass was really enjoying being on target for United.
But last week he got injured in a friendly with Carrick Rangers at the Showgrounds.
The 6'2" hitman told Guardian Sport that the injury came about "due to a clumsy fall."
“My right knee seemed to lock," he said.
But he hopes to be back as soon as possible as he prepares for the new season kick-off on August 9.
Teggart scored against Rangers XI, Ballymoney United and Carrick Rangers and got a couple against Chimney Corner.
“It does not feel too bad, but I still may need a scan just to make sure everything is alright," he told Guardian Sport.
The striker has scored three goals with his right foot, one with his left foot and one with his head!
It is likely Teggart will miss Thursday night's friendly with Raceview (7.30pm) - and possibly Saturday's trip to the seaside to play Portstewart (2.30pm).
UNITED NEWS
Boss Roy Walker has agreed terms with three players.
Former Antrim GAA star Liam Mullan, defender Archie Stewart and tenacious midfielder Aidan Watson have all signed up for the Sky Blues.
And defender Liam Hogan, who came on as substitute in the weekend pre-season friendly with Portadown at the Showgrounds, will make up his mind later this week regarding his future at United.
Winger Stephen Lowry has been placed on the transfer list at his own request.
The former Limavady player has one year remaining on his contract but his first-team opportunities for the coming season were likely to be limited.
