IRISH LEAGUE: Ballymena United closing in on new manager

It is believed the Showgrounds club are close to agreeing a deal to bring the former Linfield boss to Warden Street.

The Sky Blues sacked Glenn Ferguson last Monday following five straight defeats in the Danske Bank Premiership.

They currently sit ninth in the table, just five points off basement club Warrenpoint Town.

Ballymena have already held positive talks with Jeffrey as they bid to lure the former Windsor Park hero back to management after two years out.

Preliminary discussions were held with the 53-year-old and negotiations are believed to have been at an advanced stage over the weekend.

Jeffrey is also being linked with Portadown following the resignation of Ronnie McFall, but Ballymena chiefs are hoping the former defender accepts their offer.

Jeffrey left Linfield in 2014 following 17 years at Windsor. He won a total of 31 trophies during a stellar reign at the club.

Ballymena hope to get their new man in place before Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership clash with Crusaders.

Captain Jim Ervin said last week that it was imperative that the club acted swiftly on the managerial situation.

“Obviously it is better if someone comes in soon,” he said.

“We have a lot to play for in the remaining games, so it would be good to have someone in place – whether temporary or permanent.

“We want to make sure we stay in the Premiership, but we also want to try and catch Portadown in seventh spot and secure a Europa League play-off spot.”