Roy Walker has been unveiled as the new manager of Ballymena

Roy Walker has been appointed as the new manager of Ballymena United.

The former Crusaders and Glenavon boss was favourite to succeed Tommy Wright after being "sounded out" about the Sky Blues post earlier this month.

Walker was named Glentoran manager last summer but had to step down from the post soon after as he did not possess the appropriate coaching badges.

He has since gained some coaching badges and is due to commence work on his 'A' licence soon.

Wright resigned as United manager after the club's final league game of the season at Institute and Jim Grattan was swiftly appointed to the post two days later.

606: DEBATE Will Roy Walker be a success at Ballymena?

His employers, the Irish Football Association, vetoed the move, citing the increased workload involved with his position as Child Protection Officer.

Walker has been better known in recent years as a BBC Radio Ulster match summariser.

"I'm delighted with the foundations in place at this club, and I'm thankful to Tommy (Wright) for establishing that," said Walker.

"This club has gone through a generation without success, but the timing was right for me to come back and I believe this is the right move for me."

Walker has confirmed that that he will be keeping the current backroom staff of Jim Grattan, Jeff Montgomery and David Dorrian.

"I don't like to set targets, I firstly hope to improve things and produce a team that can compete with everyone."

I can just promise that I will do my best, and that I want my team to be competitive at all times, as I am competitive by nature."

"It's important to hit the ground running, and I have already starting looking at players for the forthcoming season," he said.