Ballymena United boss David Jeffrey is eager to add at least one new striker to his squad ahead of the new Danske Bank Premiership campaign on August 28.
However, the veteran coach insists he won’t be “rash” with the reported £100,000 windfall the Braid club received from Glentoran for Shay McCartan.
McCartan, who scored 21 goals for the Sky Blues last season, joined the Big Two giants for a new Irish League transfer fee record last week.
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But while Jeffrey hopes to be active in the transfer market in the coming days and weeks, he insists the Showgrounds club won’t be “firing silly money around”.
“We won’t be rash and we will be wise with our expenditure,” he said.
“To be fair, the budget we have has increased considerably because of recent Europe campaigns and it’s fair to say it has been further helped by the sale of Shay to Glentoran.
“But it is about sustainability. People shouldn’t forget that it wasn’t an awful long time ago that Ballymena United were in financial difficulties, so we will be keeping our house in good order.
“We will be sensible, but at the same time we certainly won’t be lacking in ambition in the final weeks of the transfer window. We want to strengthen the squad.”
While Ballymena have been linked with several players in recent times – most notably Derry City striker David Parkhouse – Jeffrey is remaining tight-lipped on his targets.
Three trialists featured in Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win over Tobermore United – a striker, winger and midfielder – but again it remains to be seen if they are retained on permanent deals.
“As a club we keep everything private and confidential until such times we have something to report and that remains the case,” said Jeffrey.
“It goes without saying that with Shay having left the club, we are looking to bring in one, possibly two centre forwards between now and the start of the new season.
“We are chasing players on a number of fronts and we are working tirelessly towards that, but whoever we bring in has to be significantly better than what we have already.”
Ballymena kick-off the new campaign with a trip to Warrenpoint Town on August 28.
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