United duo slap-in transfer requests!
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Craig McClean: asked for a transfer.
Captain Albert Watson and full-back Craig McClean have slapped in written transfer requests at Ballymena United, writes Shaun O'Neill.
United assistant boss Jim Grattan was delivered the double-blow at pre-season training on Saturday.
Grattan admitted he was "shocked, and very disappointed" at the double bomb-shell.
He has spoken with new United manager Roy Walker, who is currently in America, and has been told the matter will be dealt with on his return within the next few days.
Ballymena fans will be shocked at Watson wanting to leave the club.
A few months ago the centre-half had turned down a move to Linfield and pledged his future at the Showgrounds for the next two years.
At the time Watson told how keen and happy he was to remain at United - who had fixed him up with a very good professional contract.
McClean, in and out of the first team last season, has a one year contract.
Both players are on the Northern Ireland Under-23 team which is managed by Linfield boss David Jeffrey.
United No. 2 Grattan, in charge in Walker's absence, was quick to point out that Ballymena will not be held to ransom in any shape or form.
“Both Watson and McClean are Ballymena United players. Manager Roy Walker will decide what is happening as soon as he returns from his break," Grattan told Guardian Sport.
Meanwhile, training venues are posing a bit of a problem for United.
With parts of the Showgrounds complex out of bounds for various reasons the players are having to make do with a small strip of grass - and the Billy Neill Stadium at Dundonald and Cullybackey High!
Grattan, although privately far from amused at the situation, said little to inflame the matter.
It is known that the new United signings must have been amazed at having to train out of town.
It is hoped Ballymena will get back to normal training plans - starting next week.
