Bargain Basement!

It's time for the big clear-out, with 11 players listed by United manager Roy Walker, a complete team, he obviously means business. Two of these players were signed on pre-contracts by former manager Tommy Wright, who let's face it seemingly could do no wrong in the eyes of our board. Just what a mess Tommy left behind has only come to light in the last half of the season. He also signed goalkeeper Alan Blayney and 11 goal striker Neal Teggart, both of whom have been illegally tapped by Linfield's David Jeffrey (but that's another story) and have turned down offers of an extended contract. Frankly in my opinion and all of the Sky Blue Sport team, if Jeffrey wants them, he can have them, for the sort of money we're paying them there's much better players around. Mark Picking, who was given an extended contract by Tommy and then promptly dropped has been listed along with his panic buy from last season's transfer window, Mike Ward, who has only managed 3 senior goals in a year and a bit. Craig McLean is also listed, the man Tommy slotted into the number 3 slot and dropped the veteran Nigel Boyd, what a disastrous decision that was. Davitt Walsh after a bright start has not fulfilled his promise, while last years player of the year, Gavin Melaugh's form has been abysmal and Liam Mullan who came within a whisker of a sensational goal at Coleraine, has only flattered to deceive. Then there's the two McDonnell's, Gavin and Joe, not related to the best of my knowledge, one, Gavin, was a success, while Joe, ran about like a headless chicken. I wonder if Tommy Wright made a mistake when he signed Joe, as I can't remember him playing outstandingly for Newry, but anyway both are on too big a wage. But the man who has the biggest pay packet at the club (thanks once more to the benevolent Tommy Wright), Albert Watson, has also been offered to other clubs. Albert may command a fee, as for the rest, we'd be better off shot of them, but that's no foregone conclusion!