While the 'present' of the club may be up in the air with the search for a new manager ongoing, the rich history of the Sky Blues was savoured to the full as the Seven Towers Supporters' Club held its golden anniversary dinner in the Des Allen Suite.

Around 300 guests packed the venue for a nostalgic look back on 50 years of United's biggest fan grouping, with particular emphasis placed upon Ballymena's famous 1958 Irish Cup-winning side.

Two members of that team – Dessie Brown and Eddie Russell – were in attendance and received a rapturous ovation as they were among a number of players from that era inducted into the club's newly-created Hall of Fame.

There were also Player of the Decade awards handed out for each of the five decades in which the Seven Towers has been in existence with Eddie Russell (1950s), John Smith (1960s), Bobby Averill (1970s), Paul Malone (1980s) and Dessie Loughery (1990s) the recipients.

A video montage of previous Ballymena Irish Cup final appearances proved hugely popular with supporters of all ages and provided many discussion points among the ex-players present.

A number of special presentations were made by the Seven Towers club, including to Maurice Millar, one of the founder members from when the club was founded in February 1958 by workers from Ballymena Railway and Bus Depot and members of the public.

Current chairman Tommy Patterson, who joined in August 1958 and who has held the top position for more than 30 years was also honoured, as was Ballymena United's main sponsor Norman McBurney for his contribution to the club over the past two decades.

Among the guests was Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Maurice Mills, who praised the Seven Towers' contribution to football in the town.

"Every football club needs a supporters' club – a hard core of people, dedicated and loyal, working as a cohesive team to boost team morale and raise resources for the club.

"The achievements of Ballymena United at senior football level has a profound psychological effect upon the borough.

"Ballymena has a great potential support still lying out there and I think its is our duty to seek to get them in through the turnstiles and I know the Seven Towers Supporters' Club will endeavour to do that," added the Mayor.

United chairman Robert Cupples thanked the Seven Towers both for their efforts over the years and in organising the golden anniversary function.