Four United players agree new contracts

The Sky Blues boss has re-signed defenders Chris Rodgers and Richard Vauls on two-year deals, while winger Alan Teggart and striker James Costello - named as the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association’s April Player of the Month after his late-season burst of goals - have also agreed terms on new two year contracts.

Ferguson, who was also among the awards after being named as April’s Manager of the Month as he helped steer United to an unbeaten run of 12 games, was pleased to continue his building plans for next season.

“I’m pleased because we have good players at Ballymena - they were lacking confidence rather than ability when we arrived as a coaching team,” Ferguson told Times Sport.

“We won’t be going out to sign players for the sake of it - I have a few irons in the fire but the priority remains trying to find a quality striker,” said the manager, who has the unenviable task of replacing Gary McCutcheon, whose 34-goal season saw him not only sweep the boards of end-of-season club awards but also saw him named Ulster Footballer of the Year - the first Ballymena player to win the coveted award since Arthur Stewart in 1973/74.

The re-signing of the quartet leaves only defender Davy Munster and midfielder Rory Carson as the only first team squad players yet to have their futures resolved.

Ferguson is already planning for life without midfielder Alan Davidson, who made such a big impression with his performances after signing outside the January transfer window.

“Alan has an agent who has arranged a trial with a cross-channel club some time in June.

“It’s a great opportunity for him and I know he would be keen to come back to us if it didn’t work out, but I’ve told him I can’t wait around that long.”

Ferguson was rebuffed in his ambitious attempt to sign Portadown striker Matthew Tipton, who has joined Linfield, while he has also made enquiries about relegated Carrick Rangers winger Paul Heatley.

“He still has another year on his contract and Michael Hughes told me the player hasn’t intimated to him that he wants to leave,” added Ferguson.