Jeffrey delighted to land Lecky and Mayse
DANSKE BANK PREMIERSHIP BALLYMENA United last night announced the signing of former Ballinamallard United duo Adam Lecky and Ryan Mayse.
Striker Lecky has returned from Australia and agreed a three-year deal while midfielder Mayse has signed a one-year deal.
Sky Blues boss David Jeffrey welcomed the new additions to the Showgrounds.
“We are beyond delighted to be able to bring Adam Lecky to the Showgrounds,” he said. “When Adam left to go to Australia, he had very much been on our radar.
“He is a physically big athlete who can play at centre forward and in the middle of the park, but what is so impressive is his footballing brain and exquisite touch.
Sky Blue: Adam Lecky
“Ryan caught my attention a couple of years ago at Ballinamallard with his quick play, his skills, his tenacity — he knows no fear and I have watched his career from a distance. Last year we checked his availability and he opted for Dungannon at the time. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that he may have become available again.
“I spoke to Rodney McAree and he spoke very highly of Ryan and was disappointed that he was leaving.
“WethensatdownwithRyan and, as we do with all our signings, spent time discussing the journey so far, the vision and where we saw him fitting into it and we are absolutely delighted that we agreed terms there and then.
“We know all too well of his strengths, not least from the League Cup final — he can play wide on either side of the pitch and through the middle with great pace, ability and finishing. He would be a great asset in any team.” SUNDERLAND face a tough fight to hold onto midfielder Paddy McNair after it emerged last night that a second bid from Brighton for the Northern Ireland international had been turned down.
A fresh offer of around £3.5million was knocked back bytheBlackCats.
It’s also believed that Sunderland have dismissed a bid of £3.75m for the player from an unnamed London club.
Brighton’s initial bid of £2million came to nothing.
The 23-year-old made 18 appearances, scoring five goals, as Sunderland were relegated from the Championship last season.
McNair moved to the Stadium
Wanted man: Paddy McNair
of Light in 2016 after coming through the youth system at Manchester United.
The Northern Ireland international broke into Manchester United’s first team in 2014, mak- ing 24 Premier League appearances.
He’s currently on Northern Ireland’s tour of Central America where he produced a man-ofthe-match performance in the scoreless draw with Panama.
Michael O’Neill’s men take on Costa Rica in San Jose tomorrow night.
McNair made his international debut in 2015 and was part of Michael O’Neill’s squad that reached the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
O’Neill stated: “Paddy McNair is a Premier League player.
“The reason he isn’t is because of his knee injury.
“He joined Sunderland when they were in the Premier League.
“He then had a bad injury and Sunderland were relegated. But you’ve seen the quality in the last six games of the season.
“He scored four or five goals.”