United issue ‘hands-off Kelbie’ warning
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Striker Kevin Kelbie: staying put with Ballymena United.
Ballymena United have warned other clubs that their striker Kevin Kelbie is staying at the Showgrounds, writes Shaun O'Neill.
There has been talk that the Scot could be on his way to Linfield - in a deal involving quality midfielder Connor Downey coming to Ballymena.
“But talk is all that this mounts to," declared United assistant manager Jim Grattan.
“Kevin is not going anywhere. We are trying to build a side, not wreck one."
Kelbie has been top marksman at United for the past couple of seasons.
He has two years of his contract to run at Ballymena.
Towards the end of last season Kelbie moved back to Scotland, and is flown over each weekend for matches.
The recent signing of 23-year-old striker Neil Teggart will spice up competition for first team places this season.
And 19-year-old William Grattan, son of United assistant boss Jim, is back at Ballymena.
The striker is keen to make his mark at the Braid club.
There has been a lot of speculation about the future of midfield ace Connor Downey.
He put in a transfer request with Linfield, which was discussed at a meeting on Monday night.
There is talk Downey wants to go back to Cliftonville.
“We are watching the situation," said Ballymena No. 2 Grattan.
There will be hot competition for the No. 1 jersey at United this term.
Former NI international Alan Blayney and Sean O'Neill will battle it out for the 'keeper's jersey.
