Glenn Ferguson wins NI Writers' Manager of the Month award
Last updated on .From the section Football
Ballymena United boss Glenn Ferguson has won the NI Football Writers' Manager of the Month award for August.
The Sky Blues won three and drew one of their five matches in August to take them to the top of the Premiership.
It is an encouraging start to the campaign for Ballymena, who have not finished in the top half of the Premiership since the end-of-season split was introduced in 2008-2009.
Cliftonville's new signing David McDaid has been named the Player of the Month.
Ferguson, who previously won the award in April 2012, almost guided United through an unbeaten month with victories over Warrenpoint Town, Portadown and Dungannon Swifts and a draw against Crusaders at Seaview.
Despite having the greater scoring chances against Glenavon, United narrowly lost their final game of the month but bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Institute on Tuesday night to return to the top of the table.
"If we continue to play the way we did at Mourneview Park, I'll be delighted and we'll win more than we lose," said Ferguson.
David McDaid scored two minutes into his debut for Cliftonville against at Institute and was on target again against Glenavon and Ballinamallard.
He said: "I am delighted to have made such a good start with Cliftonville".
"It is a huge task trying to replace Liam Boyce but I am enjoying my football at Solitude and with a great bunch of lads."
