Walker rekindles interest in winger Muir

IT could be a case of one Muir out, one Muir in for Ballymena United as the transfer window slammed shut last night (Monday).
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Feb 2010, 14:38 BST
Updated 2nd Feb 2010, 08:18 BST

While defender Paul Muir has left the Sky Blues to rejoin Lisburn Distillery (see interview P55), United boss Roy Walker has rekindled his interest in former Distillery winger Gary Muir.

Scotsman Muir is a free agent - his contract with his last club Clyde expired at the end of December - which means that Walker can sign the player outside of the window and the United boss hopes the additional time can result in a deal being ironed out.

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"I was very interested in Gary in the summer but he was suffering from a broken toe and then he joined Clyde.

"SInce he left Clyde, he has been training with Cork City but their position is a bit uncertain as they haven't received a licence from the FAI."

Walker has painstakingly worked at reducing the United wage bill in January, and is hoping that the departures of Paul Muir and loaned out duo Joe McDonnell and Ryan Deans, can free up some funds for Muir, to fill what the manager has identified as a problem area on the right flank.

"I would like to add a bit more pace and strength in wide areas. Gary had one season at Distillery where he scored nine goals and had 13 assists and I think he could add something to our panel.

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""The guy is not looking for a king's ransom by any means but there are other variables to consider, not least the fact that he is resident in Scotland, although he has indicated that he would consider coming here.

"But having saved the club some money, I have to be careful not to spend it all again - there has to be prudence when it comes to spending. The situation is ongoing and I would be hopeful we could sort something out," added Walker.

Meanwhile, United's enforced 'rest' due to last weekend's postponed league game with Glenavon could benefit Walker when it comes to this Saturday's Carling Premiership trip to Institute (3pm).

"We trained on Saturday but Darren Lockhart, Aidan Watson, Kevin Kelbie and Lee Colligan were unable to - the extra week should make a difference to all of them," said Roy, who will be without the suspended quartet of Chris Ramsey, Noel Anderson, Andy Smith and James McLaughlin for the trip to Drumahoe. Seven Towers Supporters' Club transport to that match leaves Henry Street car park at 1.15pm.

United Reserves will play their postponed Wkd Intermediate Cup tie against Ards Rangers under the Showgrounds floodlights this Thursday evening (7.30pm).

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