FORMER Swansea City footballer Marc Walsh said he has “been made to feel so welcome” at Ferney Park as he aims to help lead Ballinamallard to Playr-Fit Championship glory this year.

Moving from Dergview, Loughanure native Walsh is an exciting prospect for the Mallards and he’s keen to make his mark at Ballinamallard and repay the trust shown in him by manager Mark Stafford.

“Ballinamallard is a lovely club and I’ve been made to feel so welcome. Mark Stafford has created a very professional environment, with standards set very high,” explained Walsh.

“I’m really looking forward to getting the season started this week. It’s the most excited I’ve been for football in years. We have a great group and I’m loving it so far.”

When aged just 16, Walsh achieved every footballer’s dream, becoming a full-time player when he signed for Swansea City. Walsh loved his time on the Welsh south coast.

“My time at Swansea City was a brilliant experience. It was an intense environment, training full-time Monday to Friday and a game on Saturday,” explained the Mallards player.

“Training was tough, especially early in the week and the days were long during my scholarship years, where I wasn’t leaving the training ground until 5pm or 6pm.

“During my last season, I was part of their Under 23 squad, which was more akin to a professional footballer’s lifestyle. Training in the morning and having the afternoon’s to yourself.”

Walsh’s time at the Swans came to an end in 2020, when he returned home to his native Donegal. Walsh had to adjust to his new life amidst a global pandemic.

“I came back home aged 19 during the Covid-19 pandemic and football wasn’t really happening over here,” explained the talented footballer.

“After six months, I did manage to get back into that environment with Derry City, but injuries restricted any playing time during my season at the club.

“I moved to Dungannon Swifts, where I had a very good time and really enjoyed my football. I then signed for Ballymena United and that move just didn’t work out for me.

“I didn’t get a lot of game time, and the amount of travelling involved eventually took its toll.”

Walsh (24) spent last season at Dergview and he’s now keen to make his mark with the Mallards.

“An opportunity to go on loan to Dergview then came about,” he said.

“It was closer to home and gave me an opportunity to play and enjoy my football again. Now I’ve signed for Ballinamallard and I’m ready to test myself at a higher level.”

With his career on an upward trajectory again, the former Republic of Ireland youth international is keen to push on ahead of the upcoming Playr-Fit Championship campaign.

“Standards are top-tier at training, and we have the players to push on. By Christmas time you’d like to be in around that sixth position, do what you can from there and just go for it,” said Walsh.

“I’d love to chip in with both goals and assists myself this year. I want to excite the fans, get on the ball, be positive, come off the pitch with sore legs knowing that I’ve given it my all.”

There’s no relegation this season and Walsh believes that this can allow the Ducks to fly high.

“There’s nothing to lose this year,” he said, “there’s no reason why we can’t do well.

“We have a good group with a good work rate, so if we can do what we are doing in training, we will be flying.”