GAVIN McDONNELL has ended his association with Ballymena United after an agreement to settle the remainder of his contract.

The Dublin based defender was signed by Tommy Wright on a pre-contract from Glenavon last year and was a key part of the United defensive line last season, making 36 appearances for the club and scoring once.

The big central defender was placed on the transfer list by manager Roy Walker, as the manager looks maintain a more locally based squad for the forthcoming campaign with the introduction of an extra night's training every week.

McDonnell reported back for pre-season training last week; however an amicable settlement was reached between the club and player to cancel the contract with a year remaining.

The club would like to wish Gavin all the best in future and in finding a new club.

McDonnell is the latest in a long line of summer departures from the Showgrounds in a season of upheaval, also departed have been; Neil Teggart (Portadown), Alan Blayney (Linfield), Thomas Wray (Institute), Gavin Melaugh (Lisburn Distillery), Stuart King (Glenavon), Michael Ward (Dungannon Swifts), Thomas Burke and Liam Mullan.

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