The 2017/18 Danske Bank Premier League fixtures have been released, and Ballinamallard will begin with a home match against Glentoran on Saturday 12th August, followed by a mid week trip to Glenavon. We have 17 home fixtures before the split and are home twice to Glentoran, Cliftonville, Crusaders, Linfield, Ards & Coleraine. Of our 16 pre-split away fixtures, we are away twice to Glenavon, Carrick, Dungannon, Ballymena and Warrenpoint. Click on the 'fixtures and results' section to view them all.
Midfielder Blaine Burns has become Gavin Dykes second signing of the summer transfer window, after that of Richard Clarke. Burns spent 7 seasons at Darragh Park across two spells, and he was part of Harry McConkey's UEFA Regions team that traveled to Moldova last year. The Strabane lad will join up with the squad next week to begin pre-season training and is keen to test himself at Premier League level. Welcome to Ballinamallard Blaine!
The season ticket prices for the 2017/18 season were confirmed last night by the senior committee. The prices will remain frozen at last years rates of £140/£75 if purchased in the month of June. However if purchased after June, the price will be £150/£80. Both prices represent an excellent saving across the 19 home league games, especially in light of the £1 increase in adult admission on a single match basis as indicated by NIFL last month. An adult season ticket will see a saving of up to 33% whilst a concession season ticket will see a saving of up to 44%. For further information and to purchase, contact Mark Emerson on 07905763943 or speak with any other committee member
More successful appointments have been made this week with Andy Parkinson last night confirmed as our new Under 18's manager. Andy brings a wealth of experience to the table having previously managed Lisnaskea, Fivemiletown and the Fermanagh Milk Cup. Since joining the club Andy has coached in the NIFL Championship and Premiership and most recently with the Under 20 development squad. Andy has confirmed a strong backroom team consisting of Darren Higginbotham, Greg O'Donnell and Keith Douglas. Darren will join the squad after the completion of the NI Super Cup where he is managing the the Premier squad. Keith and Greg are new to the club but certainly not new to football, Keith has extensive
John Quinn has been appointed as our Academy Director and Head of Recruitment John will replace Derek Sharpe as Academy Director and will also head up player recruitment while Derek will continue as U-20 Manager. John brings vast experience to the role as a proven Coach at all levels within the club and at county level and his knowledge will assist greatly as we continue to develop the Academy across all the ages. We are delighted that John has accepted this new role and wish him well in it. Many thanks also to Derek for the excellent work he has done since the Academy launch and best wishes as he now concentrates on the important role of player development at U-20.