Ex-Derry City defender joins United
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Roy Walker, pictured, will be signing Derry City defender Thomas Burke tonight (Tuesday).
Roy Walker will sign teenager defender Thomas Burke tonight (Tuesday) at training at Ballymena Showgrounds, writes Shaun O'Neill.
The former Derry City full-back has been training with Ballymena United for the past few weeks - and this evening he will put pen to paper and join the Sky Blue set-up.
Burke was a spectator at the weekend 1-1 'derby' at Ballycastle Road.
“Thomas will need a few games under his belt before he starts challenging for a place in the first team," boss Walker told Guardian Sport.
“The 19-year-old is highly recommended, looks very useful and has a great attitude."
Walker admits he is being forced to use young players at the club quicker than he had planned.
Aaron Stewart, just turned 18, and who has started a job as a trainee accountant in Ballymena, is operating in the centre of defence while Liam Hogan (18) is getting a spell at left-back.
At the weekend Lee Colligan (19) came on as sub - although he had to leave minutes later after an accidental collision which left him with a facial injury which required stitches.
On the bench was Chris Getty, a 21-year-old centre-half.
“We have quite a few young lads who are learning the hard way. It is not how I would have wanted it but because of the situation it is being forced upon us," summed up Walker.
Meanwhile, this week Walker and co. at United will prepare for the visit of Linfield to the Showgrounds this weekend (3pm).
There has been speculation that because the Blues' keeper Alan Manus is on international duty the game may be postponed.
But Walker is planning his line-up with the view that the game will go ahead at the Showgrounds.
Walker will check on Mark Picking (hamstring) and Liam Mullan (dead leg) before naming his starting side.
At the weekend United battled bravely and came within seven minutes of notching up their first League championship win in ten starts.
Neil Teggart put United in front in the 59th minute - his sixth goal of the season.
But Coleraine sub Tony Shields bagged a beauty to level matters in the 83rd minute.
Walker took some heart from United's performance.
“It was a good display and our fans were again brilliant," he said.
“I thought we were going to get our first win of the campaign, and earn three much needed points, but it was not to be."
Walker played Aidan Watson at right back, and was more than pleased with his showing.
Special mention also went to Albert Watson, who was back to his top form again.
‘Keeper Alan Blayney was recalled after Sean O'Neill took to the sidelines with 'flu.
He, too, turned in a good showing and will start against Linfield this weekend.
Walker calls for a solid overall performance when the Blues are in town.
“If we play with the same desire as we did against Coleraine we will give Linfield a game," declared Walker, the man who guided Crusaders to two League championship titles.
In past games United made serious blunders, usually punished by way of a goal or two.
Against Coleraine there were no blunders - and they came close to netting their first League victory.
Now they prepare to pull off shock of the season - with a win over Linfield in Ballymena.
Walker demands 100% commitment from every one of his men. If they respond who knows what sort of a showing they could provide.
“I want us to play and compete for the entire 90 minutes. I cannot ask for more," summed up Walker.
Striker Kevin Kelbie, most quiet, by his standards, at Coleraine, is due to hit form for United.
Could Saturday be the day the Scot sinks Linfield?
The Blues chased Kelbie for months, in the end offering £30,000 which United flatly rejected.
Kelbie could use Saturday as a day to really give Linfield the blues.
Ballymena United host a corporate lunch at the October 18 Showgrounds clash with Glentoran.
This money-raising venture is in the Des Allen Suite at the Showgrounds.
On Tuesday Ballymena United Reserves take on Lisburn Distillery Reserves in the League at Ballyskeagh (7.45pm).
