Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey has started the process of shaping his squad for the forthcoming season by releasing one player and making another available to other clubs.
Less than a week after guiding the Sky Blues to the Irish Cup final, Jeffrey has announced the departure of Reece Glendinning from the Showgrounds and the placing of Andrew Burns on the transfer list.
Speaking to the official club website, Jeffrey outlined the reasoning behind these decisions.
"With squad sizes being the way they are, we need to open up space to bring others in and if anything Reece and Andrew are victims of that. In that position we have a number who can fulfil the roles, and we have other areas on the pitch where we need to strengthen. This is about opening up spaces.
"We wish Reece all the best for his next chapter. I gave Reece his debut at Linfield, and have watched his development since then, getting to sign him after his loan at Ards. An excellent player, who we didn't get to see the best of because of injury. But now he's fully recovered, a dedicated young man who will do a remarkable job.
"Whilst he's still under contract, Andrew Burns is now being made available to other clubs for transfer. We're looking to freshen the squad up at this stage all around the pitch, and going forward it's in Andrew and the club's best interests that he's made available for transfer.
"I can't speak highly enough of both gentlemen and their work for this club, but squad size limitations mean tough decisions have to be taken."
