Glenn Ferguson to be new Ballymena United manager

Image caption, Glenn Ferguson was one of six contenders for the Showgrounds post

Ballymena United have appointed former Linfield striker Glenn Ferguson as their new manager.

Ferguson, who has been assistant to John Cunningham at Lisburn Distillery in recent weeks, was informed of the board's decision on Friday evening.

The finer details of his contract were ironed out before United's game against Donegal Celtic on Saturday.

Ferguson's backroom team is still being finalised but will include ex-Glenavon and Linfield midfielder Lee Doherty.

Ferguson was one of the most prolific goalscorers in Irish League history during his spells with Glenavon, Linfield and Lisburn Distillery.

After hanging up his boots at the end of last season, he was appointed as coach at Lisburn Distillery under manager Tommy Wright.

Following Wright's departure, he was named as assistant manager to Cunningham.

Ferguson was one of six men shortlisted for the job, all of whom were interviewed this week.

Paul Kirk, Eddie Patterson, Alan McDonald and Stephen Robinson were among the other contenders for the post.

Ferguson succeeds Roy Walker, who resigned following the IRN-BRU League Cup semi-final defeat by Crusaders at the Showgrounds.