SAM Allardyce knows he is fighting years of tradition but is determined to one day beat Manchester United in a race to sign one of Northern Ireland's top young talents.
The size of the task was rammed home on Monday night when the Wanderers' boss made a guest appearance at a St Patrick's Day fund-raiser in Ballymena.
"Out of an audience of 500 there must have been 250 Manchester United fans," he explained.
"Although, there were a few there who supported Liverpool, Celtic and Rangers.
"I don't know whether we'd ever be able to compete with United when it comes to persuading parents to let their boys sign for us but I'm trying hard."
Wanderers set up a satellite academy at Ballymena United Football Club last year.
The aim was to forge links that would improve Allardyce's chances of tapping into some of the best young players in Ulster.
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