A woeful season of underachievement has already erased the growing expectation that had enveloped the club during the summer, with United now propping up the JJB Sports Premiership with two points from a possible 27.

But despite watching their side hit rock bottom, the Ballymena fans have remained vociferous in their support for their ailing team.

And Walker insists it is time to pay back some of that unrelenting loyalty by gifting the Sky Blues faithful a derby performance to be proud of.

“It is a derby game and I am looking forward to it. It is a great game for the fans and both clubs, and for us in particular because we need a big performance and a result. I don’t think the players should have any problems getting fired up for a derby against Coleraine. It shouldn’t be too difficult,” Walker said.

“Coleraine are doing well at present, no doubt about it, and we are doing poorly. So we have a lot to prove to ourselves and the fans. The supporters have been brilliant, so for me character will be a big thing and I look forward to seeing it demonstrated on Saturday.

“A mark of a true fan is giving encouragement and support when things aren’t going well. Our fans have witnessed the club hit rock bottom in the Premiership but they have remained loyal. The players certainly can’t say the fans are on their backs.”

Ballymena’s less than inspiring start to the season has prompted some onlookers to question Walker’s future at the club, with a few even suggesting the new boss may pack up and leave if results continue to slide.

But for the former Crusaders and Glenavon manager, walking out on the Showgrounds couldn’t be further from his thoughts.

“Outside of the results I am loving the job, absolutely loving it. I love the people at the club - the fans, the board, everyone. They have all been excellent,” he added.

“The supporters deserve special praise. They will support the team if they see the right effort and commitment being displayed. The players have to take that on board, because when they put on the jersey and step out onto the pitch there is no hiding place.

“But I am loving it at Ballymena. Events on the pitch have been disappointing but I am relishing the challenge. I am personally looking forward to Ballymena digging out some positive results and moving up the table.

“People have talked about me walking away, but do you walk away from a marriage because you are in love? I shook hands on a deal and I remain fully committed to it. I want to do everything I can to give the Ballymena people a team they can be proud of. That's what they deserve.

“The job has maybe been more difficult than I imagined, because there are certain parts of the team that I thought were a little big stronger than they actually are.