NEW Ballymena United manager Roy Walker tonight placed five players on the transfer list.

The players are Paul Murphy, Simon Kelly, Davitt Walsh, Darren Fitzgerald and Michael Ward.

Commenting on his decision, Mr. Walker said, "I wanted to give the players the news at the earliest opportunity in order to give them as much time as possible to find new clubs although anyone interested in signing these players will still have to deal with Ballymena United because they are still under contract."

In addition, Lee Patrick - whose contract has expired - will not be offered new terms by the club.

Roy also commented on the role of Billy Sinclair who has joined his backroom team from Glenavon.

"Billy will work alongside Jim Grattan and I with the senior team. A natural vacancy occurred with Jeff Montgomery's departure and while Billy doesn't yet have a specific title he has been handed a broader remit and will work on a project by project basis."

In other news, the players will report back for pre-season training on July 2nd while it is hoped that the pre-season tournament involving Hull City and Blackpool will be confirmed in the next few days once newly promoted City firm up their own plans for the summer.