Pre-season update
As pre-season continues, Harry McConkey spoke with the Club Website to provide an update on his preparations to date.
"It's been a very busy close season for me and my back room staff and what is becoming clearer is the size of the challenge faced by Ballinamallard United in the coming season. There is no doubt that this is going to be one of the most competitive Championship seasons in years. Not only do we have Larne, Portadown and Carrick Rangers determined to fight for promotion, but many other clubs in the league have been strengthening their squads and are extremely ambitious" said the Mallards boss.
McConkey was faced with the ominous task of rebuilding a side that was blown apart by the change in the Clubs status after relegation.
"Replacing 13 players is not an easy task! We essentially have a team of local players who can train 2-3 times a week and are committed to the cause of giving everything on the pitch on a Saturday for Ballinamallard United FC. I would ask supporters to be patient as we work to gel the new side together in the months ahead".
"Ideally I would like a 22 player panel for the Bluefin Sports Championship Campaign and in that 22, I expect there to be a few of our top players for the Reserves. I have been delighted with the squads response to our training programme so far. We had session 17 last night and the mix of youth and experience in the group has been mutually beneficial so far. Young players show great energy but sometimes niaivity and my experienced players are there to help guide the kids but they also know that they have to match their youthful energy which is infectious".
IN: John Connolly, Tim Harney (Player/Coach), David Elliott, Duwayne McManus, Gary Henderson, Warner Mullan, Aaron Aarkinson, Ryan Campbell and Nathan Cashel
OUT: Richard Brush, Michael Kerr, Jame McKenna, Colm McLaughlin, Jonny Leddy, David Kee, Shane McGinty, Stuart Hutchinson, Ryan Curran, Sean Noble, Stephen O'Flynn, Harry Clarke and Packie Mailey
RETAINED: Josh Brownlee, Jacob Britton, Matthew Smyth, Ross Taheny, Ben McCann, Richard Clarke, Jason McCartney, Joshua McIlwaine
TALKS ONGOING: Gary Armstrong, Chris Kelly and Ryan O'Reilly