McCUTCHEON SET FOR UNITED EXIT
� Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland - 26th Nov 2011. Mandatory Credit - Photo by Presseye.com Irish Premier League Ballymena v Donegal Celtic Ballymena's Gary McCutcheon celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 during Saturday's match at the Showgrounds.
GARY McCutcheon looks set to exit Ballymena United this summer – with Crusaders favourites to land the striker.
It is believed the Crues have won the race to sign the Scottish hit-man, who has just six months remaining on his Sky Blues contract.
McCutcheon has enjoyed a prolific season to date, bagging an impressive 26 goals to keep United above the drop zone in the Carling Premiership.
Recently manager Glenn Ferguson signalled his intent to keep McCutcheon at the Showgrounds, but it appears the lure of Crusaders could prove too much for the 33-year-old.
It is understood McCutcheon has already notified Ferguson of his intention to leave the club in the summer, despite Ballymena offering their star striker attractive terms to remain at Warden Street.
The Crues recently tabled an official letter of interest for McCutcheon, with the intention to snap up the player on a pre-contract agreement.
Last month Crues boss Stephen Baxter described the former Portadown forward – who signed for Ballymena in 2010 – as a “top, top player”.
Ballymena boss Ferguson has continually insisted his club would do “everything in its power” to keep their main goal threat.
“He is out of contract in the summer, so that leads to other clubs sniffing around,” Ferguson said last month.
“I have to make sure I can sell the club’s ambition to Gary and show him that we are looking to progress.
“I have spoken to the board with regards what budget is left, and our hands are pretty much tied. But we will exhaust all our options.”
Meanwhile, Ballymena have signed former Newry City and Glenavon midfielder Alan Davidson.
Davidson joined Glenavon last summer before being released during the January transfer window.
One player leaving the Showgrounds is goalkeeper Wayne Drummond.
The former Rangers shot-stopper’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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