Ballymena United manager and players secure award successes

Gary McCutcheon and James Costello

Ballymena United striker Gary McCutcheon has been named as the Ulster Footballer of the Year by the Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters' Club.

The Scot, who will play for Crusaders next season, scored 34 goals for United in his second season with the club.

Meanwhile Ballymena manager Glenn Ferguson has been chosen as the Carling Northern Ireland Football Writers' manager of the month for April.

Sky Blues' striker James Costello won the player of the month accolade.

Costello scored seven goals during April to help his side finish seventh in the Premiership table.

Ferguson's team collected 13 points out of a possible 15 during the final month of the season and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 matches.

The former Linfield marksman said he was delighted to pick up the award, and paid tribute to the role played by his backroom staff

"I'm delighted to pick up the award, not just for myself but for Lee (Doherty), Norman (Kelly) and Wes (Lamont) and for the players who have gone out onto the pitch and carried out their instructions.

"The extended unbeaten run shows that our philosophy is working at the club, and we're very pleased with the way things have been going.

"I'm delighted for James as well, I'm sure it'll be a great boost to him on top of all his goals.

"They've been a great help to the team and the club, and it should give him more confidence going into next season," added Ferguson.

Defenders Chris Rodgers and Richard Vauls have signed new two-year contracts with the club.