Wakehurst prepare for bright new era

Conor Gregg, who won the Wakhurst FC Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and Leading Goalscorer awards, receives his trophy from North Antrim MLA Paul Frew. Also included are Billy Erwin (chairman) and Ian Gregg (manager).

While the Ballymena club reflected on an excellent sixth place finish in Belfast Telegraph Championship Two – the third highest level of football in Northern Ireland – its is also eagerly anticipating the start of its new link-up with Northend United Youth.

The new amalgamation will begin in earnest this summer when an under-17 side bearing Wakehurst’s name will compete in the Foyle Cup, before taking part in the elite National League next season.

Speaking at the club’s annual dinner in Tullyglass House Hotel, Wakehurst manager Ian Gregg said that the link with Northend – which will see top young players from the local youth set-up advance into the Wakehurst ranks – was “nor a marriage of convenience”.

“These people are in it for the right reasons and I have already seen evidence of their enthusiasm and desire. Like us they are ambitious – not in a vain way but in a progressive, sensible way.”

Turning his attention to the season just past, Gregg said: “By any standards we have had a very good season in finishing sixth and if you look at the clubs around us and the resources they have, I think that is a very worthy achievement.”

Referring to a tremendous run of form after Christmas, which included seven straight league wins, Gregg said: “We applied ourselves much more consistently and played with more belief.

“We have a talented group of players but we have to have more consistency, not only from game to game but also within games.

“Given our resources and the number of people involved on a voluntary basis, we do exceedingly well.

“The club is in a very good place at the minute – I feel we are on the cusp of something.

“We would like to return to Ballymena – that is something we should strive for.

“The players ar ea great bunch of lads who give everything for the club. There is no money involved – everything is done for the jersey and it is a pleasure to be in charge of these boys,” added Gregg, who urged his players who have “a real go” at pushing for promotion to Championship One next season.

John Devlin spoke on behalf of Northend United Youth and outlined the work done by the youth set-up since ins inception 10 years ago.

He said he looked forward to seeing boys progress from the Northend set-up into the Wakehurst ranks and hopefully beyond, adding: “We lost too many good players when we cut off at under-16 age group – that won’t happen now.”

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew outlined the situation regarding a possible return to Ballymena (see back page story) and congratulated the club on its exploits this season.

Wakehurst chairman Billy Erwin praised the work done behind the scenes as well as on the pitch this season and outlined the family ethos which exists within the club.

On the playing front, Conor Gregg completed a clean sweep of the first team awards with the striker’s 25-goal season earning him the Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Leading Goalscorer awards.

Awards were also presented to the club’s Saturday Morning League team Wakehurst Star and Ballymena & Provincial Junior League outfit Wakehurst Strollers as follows:

WAKEHURST STAR

Leading goalscorer – Darren McNeilly; Young Player of the Year – Ryan Armstrong; Most Improved Player – Peter McKee; Clubman of the Year – Johnny Greer; Player of the Year – Justin Sterritt; Players’ Player of the Year – Mark Taggart.

WAKEHURST STROLLERS

Leading Goalscorer – Samuel Millar; Young Player of the Year – Philip Cunningham; Most Improved Player – Neil Gage; Clubman of the Year – Peter Houston; Player of the Year – Timmy Cunningham; Players’ Player of the Year – Michael Armstrong.