BRANIFF EXCITED TO LINK UP WITH JEFFREY

BALLYMENA UNITED new boy Kevin Braniff says he couldn’t resist the lure of joining David Jeffrey’s Showgrounds revolution.

The experienced striker (above) is the latest player to join the Sky Blues during a busy January transfer window after parting company with Glenavon to sign an 18 month contract with the Braid club on Saturday.

Highly rated Aussie goalkeeper Tim Allen (below) returned to the Showgrounds last week while midfielder Joe Mckinney has impressed since joining from Ards three weeks ago.

Braniff, 33, who was also being linked with former club Portadown and Ards, is determined to make an impact as

Jeffrey bids to turn

United into one of the local game’s leading lights.

“David was a big part of my decision,” he said. “He tried to sign me a couple of times in the past and I actually spoke to him last summer.

“He wanted to take me to Ballymena at that stage, but Glenavon had just won the Irish Cup and staying at Mourneview Park felt like the right thing to go.

“Ballymena pushed more than any other club to sign me and I’ve a feeling I will enjoy playing under the manager. I’ve heard really good things about him from past players.

“I know where he wants to take the club and being part of that excites me.

I’ve probably been surprised by where Ballymena are in the league table and how well they have performed this season. I’m determined to add to that.”

Braniff, a sales manager for Gymco in Belfast, turns 34 in March but is confident he can prove an astute signing for Jeffrey.

“Age is just a number,” he said. “I feel great and better than I’ve ever felt. “I’m feeling stronger and I don’t see why I can’t play on for a number of years. Nobody wants to retire, so I’m looking after myself. I want to prolong my career for as long as I can.

“I hope I can bring experience to Ballymena and I want to help the team. I want to help get us where David wants to take the club

“It has been a frustrating season for me and I haven’t played a lot of football, so I’m glad the move is done and I can start getting some minutes under my belt.”