Ballymena Utd boss David Jeffrey hails Andy McGrory loyalty after player agrees new deal

Ballymena United boss David Jeffrey has revealed that Andy McGrory turned down a number of other clubs to agree a contract extension at the Showgrounds.

The versatile right-back, who has made 123 appearances for the Sky Blues since joining the club from Glenavon in 2018, pet pen-to-paper on a new deal on Wednesday night.

McGrory was hampered by injury during the 2020/21 campaign, but enjoyed a strong end to last season and featured in last month’s Irish Cup final defeat to Crusaders.

It was the 30-year-old’s deflected corner that gave United the lead, only for the Crues to turn the showpiece on its head with last-gasp goals in both normal and extra time.

“We’re absolutely delighted that Andrew has agreed to extend his contract and the gratifying thing was his desire to stay here,” said Jeffrey.

“He had other suitors, of that there is no doubt, but I don’t believe our negotiations took longer than two minutes.

“It’s on record the challenges that injury have presented Andrew over the last couple of years but last season saw him not only return to fitness but also to great form.

“That was epitomised by his performance in the Irish Cup final where, alongside others, he put in an exceptional shift.

“Going forward we hope the days of injury are well past him and we will see more of the Andrew that we saw in the Irish Cup final.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey has confirmed the departures of Bermuda striker Jonte Smith and former Everton academy prospect Daniel Bramall

Smith and Bramall, who made one start apiece after Christmas, relocated from England after brief trials last summer but have now parted company with the club.

Jeffrey told Ballymena United TV: “It was something we tried as a club. We thought we’d go out of our comfort zone