‘Board will have to sack me to get me to leave’
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Ballymena boss Roy Walker who when he arrived at the Showgrounds said he was keen to find men proud and worthy of wearing the Sky Blue shirt each week. But his search so far this season has not yielded much success.
Roy Walker intends fighting tooth-and-nail to change the fortunes of struggling Ballymena United, writes Shaun O'Neill.
The Showgrounds side manager has no plans to walk - but instead declared - "The Board will have to sack me to get me to leave."
Walker admits he had been greatly embarrassed at United's showings so far this season.
“But I will not be turning my back on anything," he told Guardian Sport.
United have crumbled, leaking goals by the bagful, and Walker is almost at his wits end to curb the crisis.
While he is prepared to fight the battle of restoring some pride at the Showgrounds he would greatly appreciate help from his squad!
Ballymena's long-suffering fans, too, are beginning to get annoyed at the sloppy performances since the start of the season.
United are bottom of the new 12-strong Irish Premier League.
They have lost three and drawn two of the League games, conceding 14 goals in the process.
On top of this they were sent crashing out of the County Antrim Shield, hammered 6-1 at the Oval by Glentoran.
To add to their woes they were beaten 3-0 by the then bottom of the table side Glenavon in Ballymena at the weekend.
Now they face three very difficult games in the next week - tonight (Tuesday) at home to Lisburn Distillery (7.45pm), Saturday away to Crusaders (3pm) and Tuesday, September 23, away to Glentoran (7.45pm).
Walker, literally lost for words after the weekend beating, has hinted that promising young Reserves players will get their chance tonight against third placed Lisburn Distillery.
Centre-half Aaron Stewart, son of second string manger Alfie, could well get a starting place, while it seems likely that teenage midfielder Ryan Deans is on the verge of a first team call up.
“Ryan has been super for the Reserves. He is a very, very good prospect," said Reserves boss Stewart.
“He has a great attitude, he is strong and fit and should be coming to the forefront in the coming years."
First team boss Walker described 19-year-old Deans as a "pocket dynamo."
Walker admits the young players may be naive, but was quick to point out they are likely to give 100% commitment and effort.
“Could they be any worse than what we have?," asked Walker.
The Ballymena boss, who was only appointed as successor to Tommy Wright back on May 20, may have centre-half Albert Watson back after injury.
The defender, who has lost the captain's armband, has a leg injury and sat out Saturday's home defeat by Glenavon.
Against Glenavon Walker dropped 'keeper Alan Blayney and gave Sean O'Neill a start.
O'Neill was blameless for any of the goals.
United News
Seven Towers United Supporters Club hold their Annual General Meeting in the Moat Bar on Saturday (1pm sharp).
All members are requested to attend.
Towers transport to Seaview on Saturday for Saturday's match with Crusaders leaves Henry Street car-park at 2pm.
Their bus to the Oval on Tuesday, September 23, for the re-arranged League clash with Glentoran, leaves Henry Street car-park at 7pm.
