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Ferguson faces Linfield in opener!

Thursday, 5 January 2012

New Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson.

NEW Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson's first game in charge is a baptism of fire - against League champions Linfield at the Showgrounds on Saturday (3pm).
But the former Blues striker does not fear the thought of the battle and will be demanding his players are fired up for the Premiership clash.
Ferguson, who played over 1,000 domestic games and scored 563 goals in Irish football, was announced as the new United manager on Saturday.
The 42-year-old intends dipping into the transfer market this month - possibly bringing in two or three new faces.
“I hope to freshen up the squad," he said, which will likely mean several players will be leaving to make way for the new arrivals.
Ferguson topped the list of 16 candidates all wanting to take over the United job, vacated following the resignation of Roy Walker midway through last month.
Ballymena Board whittled the numbers down to six, and interviews took place last week - with Ferguson getting the unanimous decision to take charge of the Showgrounds side.
At 12.30pm on Saturday United Chairman, Robert Cupples, led Ferguson into the Boardroom for the press conference to announce the new manager's arrival.
Following Ferguson were his backroom staff - ex-Linfield duo Lee Doherty and Norman Kelly.
Chairman Mr. Cupples said it gave him great pleasure to announce Ferguson as the new manager.
“Glenn has been a winner for many years (on the field) and has some management experience. But we are putting our trust in him. I believe he has the right heart - a winning heart," said Mr. Cupples.
Ferguson, who this season was assistant manager to John Cunningham at Lisburn Distillery, said Ballymena United has great potential - and it is his aim to turn their fortunes on the pitch and move the club up the Premier table.
The new manager said he, Doherty and Kelly intend installing confidence in the players - making them into winners.
He said the new management trio at United do not like losing, stressing that the team must get this attitude. Ferguson said he is well aware of United's goal scoring exploits, but also knows about the problems in defence.
He intends sorting this out, and mentioned he will be hoping to recruit several new faces during the transfer window.

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