Blues miss out on duo as Law hopes they will retain Bates services

McAllister’s future is uncertain while Gault signed for Portadown on Wednesday.

Nigel said: “We’ve spoken to both players. It would have been negligent of us not to. You have to make enquiries when players like this are on the market. As a football club we don’t want to stand still.

“Having spoken to the players we’re aware that they’ve been made offers by other clubs.”

Nigel said the management team were happy with their midfield and attacking options, on the assumption they retain the services of Guy Bates.

He said Adam Foley, who began training again towards the end of last season, would be like a new signing for the club.

Winger Foley was injured in pre-season and missed the entire campaign.

“Europe might come a bit soon for him, but he’s gearing up well for the new season,” said Nigel.

As for other signings, Nigel said: “We don’t have anybody in particular in mind. Defence is an area we’d like to strengthen, possibly with one or two new players.”

Regarding the ongoing saga over Bates, Nigel said: “He told Gary in the past that if he remained in the Irish League he would stay at Glenavon, he said it again on the night of the cup final.

“So provided he doesn’t move to pastures new, he’s given us his word he’ll stay at the club.”

When asked if Eoin Bradley was signed as a replacement for Bates, Nigel commented: “A lot of people have made comparisons between Guy and Eoin, but apart from their build they’re quite different players.

“Guy is a very technical player. Eoin is a much more direct player with a real physical presence. He’s a very effective Irish League player. Without a doubt the two of them can complement each other.

“Eoin wasn’t signed to replace Guy. He was signed as a replacement for Mark Farren.”

Glenavon will learn of their European fate in the last week of June and may be left with a 10-day turnaround to arrange flights and accommodation for an away trip.