Shane McGinty and Ryan Mayse leave Ballymena United

Ballymena United have announced the departure of Shane McGinty and Ryan Mayse.

The pair signed for last season’s NIFL Premiership runners up during the summer of 2018.

According to a statement from the club McGinty is considering his footballing options. The former Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps and Galway United player had joined Ballymena from Ballinamallard United.

Mayse has returned to Ballinamallard United in the NIFL Championship. The midfielder began his career with the club before joining Dungannon Swifts in 2017.

“We want to say a big thanks to both players for their contribution to Ballymena United football club,” Sky Blues manager David Jeffrey said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Who will ever forget Shane's goal against Glenavon that secured second place and European football, whilst Ryan also gave us several very memorable moments.

“The long and short of it is that over the last period they have not had as much game time as they'd like, and both men committed themselves to travelling a massive distance to training and matches.

“Going forward they wanted more regular football and something which would maybe suit them better logistically.

“We always say it's a long road that has no turns and the biggest compliment that I could pay the pair of them is that Bryan and I would welcome the opportunity to work with both again in the future and we can't speak fondly enough of them.

“Both travelled up to training last night to say farewell to their teammates and they were their usual good selves, with Ryan having the squad in stitches as always.

“We understand their position going forward and we will give them all the assistance they need. We wish Ryan all the best at Ballinamallard, whilst Shane wants to take time to consider his options.

“Thanks, and all best wishes for the future for both lads.”