Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Oran Kearney has confirmed the first two signings as Ballymena United manager with the arrival of forwards Dean Ebbe and Igor Rutkowski, ahead of the January transfer window opening.

Dean Ebbe, 31, arrives at the Showgrounds on an 18-month contract following a successful season at Dundalk – winning the League of Ireland First Division title – and scoring 10 goals.

The Dubliner’s career has taken him to the Scottish Premiership with Inverness Caledonian Thistle (in 2017) alongside a prolific four-year period in Wales with The New Saints, as well as a stint in Gibraltar with Manchester 62 and also at Crusaders during the 2022/2023 season.

Igor Rutkowski, 21, has joined Ballymena United on a two-and-a-year contract from Playr-Fit Championship club Armagh City.

Earmarked as one of the brightest young talents in the second-tier, Igor has scored 29 goals since the start of last season, including eight goals for the Eagles to date in this campaign.

Igor began his career at Portadown, making his debut in October 2021 in the Mid Ulster Cup – before enjoying a successful loan spell at Knockbreda before his move to Armagh City.

Ballymena United manager Oran Kearney said, firstly on the arrival of Rutkowski: "Igor is an exciting one and someone I've watched for a while. At the age of only 21, he's played a serious amount of mens football and that's a huge asset. He has shown a lot of quality and I feel the timing is right for him here now. He's a confident, hardworking lad who scores goals and we'll get him in and training so he's ready to hit the ground running in January."

Speaking about Ebbe, Oran added: 'He's a different option. He's possibly more pacey and looking to get in behind and he's gone to Dundalk and contributed a lot in their promotion season. He plays in an area of the pitch we need to improve on and we want strength and depth there too. He's shown a character and drive at Dundalk and you want people who are hungry and maybe want to prove a point after a spell in the league before."

Both players will be available for selection upon the opening of the January transfer window.

Tickets for the annual Boxing Day derby are now available to all supporters!

Please note:
• This is an all-ticket fixture
• Allocated seating will be in operation in the Home Grandstand
• Academy passes are not valid for this fixture 

The Boxing Day derby is always one of the biggest fixtures of the season - make sure you’ve got your seat secured and join us at the Showgrounds! 

General Sale https://eventlist.store/ballymenaunited/home?ftredirect=1

Season Ticket Holders https://eventlist.store/ballyme.../coleraineboxingdaystoffer  

𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 2025/26 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝘾.

If you are planning to attend the Boxing Day derby against Coleraine FC at the Ballymena Showgrounds on 26th December 2025, the club is asking that Season Ticket holders indicate their intention to attend the game and select their seat in the home stand.  There will be no cost to this, the game is included as part of your Season Ticket.  The reason for this is to anticipate numbers and maximise the number of home stand match tickets available for sale.  A capacity restriction will be in place as part of the Club's Health and Safety Certificate - allocated seating allows for a larger capacity for the home stand and a bigger Sky Blue support.

Click the link above and order a zero-value ticket for each ST Holder who will be attending the game and select a seat from the seat map of the home stand.  To do this you will be asked to enter the email address that was used at the time of purchasing your season ticket(s).  If you bought several Season Tickets using the same email address you can order this number of tickets / select seats if they are also going to attend the match on Boxing Day (must correspond to your ST account).  Incorrect orders will be voided.  Once ordered you will receive an email with the tickets attached, these e-tickets can be used to gain entry to the game instead of your normal Season Ticket.  

ST holders must use the email address that was used when the Season Ticket was bought.

If another ST was bought at a different time using the same email address please send an email to tickets@ballymenaunitedfc.com with the Order Number and Seat Number required.  The eTicket will be emailed to you.

Please take care when selecting your seat as this cannot be changed.

Please note if you have directors box ticket this does not apply.

Ballymena United Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Oran Kearney as the club's new first team manager.

Kearney brings a wealth of managerial experience to the club from his successful spells at Limavady United, Coleraine and St. Mirren.

The 47-year-old also returns to the Ballymena Showgrounds, having enjoyed a successful spell as a player under Kenny Shiels, making 121 appearances and scoring 34 goals between 2002 and 2005.

Joining Oran's backroom team will be former Cliftonville midfielder Barry Johnston, who takes up the role of assistant manager, having recently been in charge of Lisburn Distillery. In addition, Michael Doherty will also becoming on board as goalkeeping coach, having fulfilled the same role with Kearney at Coleraine.

Speaking of his appointment Oran Kearney said, "I'm very excited, it's been a whirlwind week. There's a real urgency to want to do well and a desire for success. It'll be a challenge, but I think this club has the infrastructure, the fan base and a lot of good things going for it.

“We will look to develop a relationship with the players and try and put my stamp on things as soon as possible. Everybody starts on a clean slate, it's up to players to impress in training to get into the team and move us forward. 

“I had an enjoyable time here as a player and in recent days a lot of those emotions have come back from my time playing here. I urge the fans to get behind me and the players and push us on for this second half of the season."

Oran’s first match in charge of Ballymena United will be in the away league trip to Portadown next Saturday (13 December), before his homecoming to the Showgrounds against Carrick Rangers the following week with tickets now available from www.ballymenaunitedfc.com/home-tickets
     

A Merry Christmas  from Sports Bond 

We would like to wish all Sports Bond agents and members a very Merry Christmas. Our December winners will have a very good Christmas and this week, winners will have their cheques for Christmas.

Ashley Doole (A7228) recently won £10 on Sports Bond however Ashley decided to reinvest the £10 for a further 10 weeks and that proved to be an excellent decision as this week Ashley was a £50 Major winner. Three years ago Ashley was a £1000 jackpot winner and is one of a unique club of Sports Bond members who have won £1000 jackpot, £50 Major winner (2) and £10 Minor winner (2). Ashley is a member on the agency of Patricia Thompson who also had a £10 minor winner with Grandson Leo Thompson (A5341).

Sports Bond agent Alastair Shaw has had a good end of the year run and this week he had another £50 Major winner with Dean Paine (A9157). The other Major winner was a unique win as it was a membership in the name of First Score.(A7873). First Score has a number of memberships and because of this this win will go directly to the club.

The other Minor winners were Nicole Power (C2441) who is the granddaughter of Sports Bond agent Janice Christie. Alastair Robinson  (A3648) was the remaining minor winner and he pays by standing order. 

The Jackpot continues to rise as the Jackpot numbers 3 5 8 12 were not allocated and so the Jackpot is now £550 for this week. With Christmas now upon us a Jackpot win would bring great news for some lucky member. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

Agents News

It was with great sadness that Sports Bond learned of the sudden passing of Yvonne Wylie. For those who follow Sports Bond closely, the Wylie family are long time members. Yvonne was the head of the family and loved to see one of the family win on Sports Bond. Yvonne was also a great volunteer and did much charity work for which she will be sorely missed. She was a great knitter and would  create many lovely woollen garments for families and charity. Sports Bond Promoter Brian Thompson knew Yvonne well and spoke fondly of Yvonne; "I remember first meeting Yvonne with daughter Vonla at a stand in the Tower Centre where she joined. Over the years The Wylie family have become close personal friends. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Yvonne's passing and would extend our deepest sympathy to Vonla, Megan,  Mark. Davis and Mark Jnr who are all members."

Birthday greetings this week go to Sports Bond   members  Rikki Barr and Elaine Young who both celebrate their birthday on Monday 

First Score 

The winning time from Saturday against Carrick Rangers was 40 mins ( 39 mins 50 sec) and as of yet we have had no claims. If you have a 40 mins Scratchcard then contact Brian Thompson on 07831 803970. Don't forget to get a First Score on Boxing Day against Coleraine. If there is no winner from Saturday then a bonus £25 will be added to the First Score with Larne in the Irish Cup 

Ballymena United Calendar 2026

There has been a great reaction to our Calendar for 2026. Brian Thompson will be in the Tower Centre on Tuesday 23rd to sell Calendars and tickets for the New year draw. Calendars are priced at £7, 2 × £12, and £5 for Sports Bond members. You can order and get it delivered by ringing 07831 803970. 

If you are purchasing Calendars at the Tower Centre or on Boxing day please bring a carrier bag. 

New Year Draw 

Tickets for this draw are going very well. There has been a great reaction to the fantastic prizes on offer. Tickets will be on sale in the Tower Centre on Tuesday and on Boxing day against Coleraine. 

Tickets are priced at £1.

Ballymena United are happy to confirm the arrival of defender Zach Nolan to the club.

Twenty year old Nolan joins the Sky Blues as a free agent, having left Bray Wanderers earlier in the year, with the left back making thirty-nine appearances for the Irish First Division side having made the step up from their Academy. Since leaving Bray, Zach has spent time on trial with a number of clubs across the water, but the pacy and versatile Irishman has opted to bring his talents to the Showgrounds for his next move.

Speaking to the club about the next step in his career, Zach outlined why he feels Ballymena is the place for him. "After coming up here for a training session, the club liked what they saw and I was interested as well. The playing style is the way I like to play and from the off, this place just felt right for me."

Delving further into his way of playing, Nolan, who can operate in any role down the left side of a defence, spoke about his strengths and how United can play to them. "I see myself as a fast, attacking defender, but defending always comes first. I've a good engine and like getting up and down the pitch and here I'll have the freedom to do that. Hopefully I'm able to add a few assists to clean sheets, but here I think I can show what I've got and learn a lot too."

Whilst new to the league, Zach already knows a few of his new team mates and has kept an eye on the club since a move was first a possibility. "It's nice coming in and knowing a few faces and not having to worry so much about settling in. I've been following the club and league for a while and know what the goals are for us this season." 

Manager Jim Ervin also chatted about Zach's arrival, saying it's been a move a while in the making. "We first came across Zach in January last year. We had him in and had a look at him, but it was touted he could be going across the water, but that didn't quite happen. With the numbers we are missing and as we try to climb the league table, we need to get quality in like Zach." He added, "He can play left back, left wing back, left of a back three and gives us more quality and legs in that area of the pitch. I'm excited to get him in, he's

tough tackling, willing to get forward with the ball and has a good delivery and hopefully he can hit the ground running. He's been playing friendly games recently as part of a Republic of Ireland agency set up, but there's a difference obviously between friendly games and competitive. The good news is he's available straight away, but we'll get a look at him to see where he's at."

Ballymena United have added to their midfield options for now by completing the short term deal signing of former Scotland international Dylan McGeouch.

The thirty-two year old midfielder arrives on Warden Street with a wealth of experience in the Scottish Premiership and League 1 and League 2 in England, as well as two senior caps for Scotland. Having played for Celtic, Aberdeen, Sunderland and Forest Green, he was also an important part of Hibs' Scottish Cup and Championship winning sides. Most recently, the Scotsman was with Mark Hughes' Carlisle United, but left in the summer and now joins United as a free agent.

Speaking to the club, with a full interview to follow in due course, McGeouch is excited for the latest chapter of his career in Northern Ireland. "The opportunity came up to talk to the guys behind the scenes here and I jumped at the chance to be able to come and help this squad and club going forward." Dylan is also aware of the value his experience could have for the club. "Experience is something hopefully I can bring on and off the pitch. I've been at a lot of good clubs and still think I have a lot to give." He added, "One of the selling points was that the club have a lot to play for. We're looking to compete and get into that top six, along with the cup competitions and it's exciting times."

Manager Jim Ervin also spoke on the signing of McGeouch and highlighted why the Sky Blues have made their move in between transfer windows. "It's well documented the injury list we have and it seems to be increasing week by week, so it's great to get another body available to us, but it's more about the experience he brings. He's one we've been looking at for a number of weeks and he's come in as a free agent so is able to play straight away."

Ervin also touched on the excitement and eagerness of the ex Rangers youth team player to come onboard. "The desire Dylan showed when we started conversations struck me straight away. He could've held fire to see what came up in January, but he was happy with what we discussed with him. He's a quality player and we're looking forward to seeing him on the pitch."

Ballymena United are delighted to announce that Patrick McEleney has signed a contract extension with the club.

The experienced midfielder was a major addition when he arrived from Derry City in January, going on to make 15 appearances and score 3 goals for the Sky Blues last season.

Now wearing the No. 10 shirt for the upcoming campaign, McEleney said it was an easy decision to stay:

🗣️ “I’ve loved it here so far, and when the club came to me about extending, it was done quite quickly. I came in with an open mind and was looking forward to a new challenge — the changing room has been brilliant.”

Looking ahead to the new season, which kicks off this weekend, Patrick added:

🗣️ “It’s about pushing on now — finishing higher up the table and seeing what we can do in the cups. I want to play as much as I can and help the younger lads around me too.”

💫 More McEleney Magic coming our way in 2025/26!

Emma, a life-long supporter, has held various important roles at the club over many years, initially as a volunteer in our club shop, before managing the club’s human resources and policies on the Management Committee, before her progression to the Board of Directors.

Ballymena United Chairman Chris Selwood said: “Emma brings great personal and professional skills to our Board and will be a great asset to the club moving forward. She knows the club inside out, she buys into the goals and vision of the club going forward and will be instrumental in achieving those goals.”

Speaking of her appointment, Emma said; “I’m honoured to be appointed as the new Director of Operations at the club. This club is a huge part of the community and is massive to my family, so to be tasked with driving us forward is an exciting challenge that I am ready to embrace.

“The club is entering an exciting new era both on and off the pitch, and alongside my fellow Board members we are working tirelessly to ensure we return the club back to the top and make the Showgrounds a place where fans can be proud to call home again.”

Emma added, “To be the first female on the Board of Directors is naturally an honour, but whilst I am the first - I want to ensure I am not the last! We are building a dynamic and progressive club and hopefully this appointment will show the pathway is open for talented women to get involved and make a difference.”

Ahead of the 2025/2026 season, the Ballymena United FC Board of Directors is as follows: Chris Selwood (Chairman), Liam Wilson (Vice-Chairman), John Anderson, Ivan Russell, Gary McConnell, Ronnie McDowell and Emma Russell.

Having been in and around the club over the last year or so, bringing his substantial experience in business management both within and outside of football, Liam now takes on the role of Vice Chairman, working alongside Chairman Chris Selwood.

Speaking to the club about his new role, Liam was keen to stress how professionalising the club has been one of his main goals. "I hope people have started to see a lot more professionalism around the place, both on and off the pitch. That's been my main driver and reason for being part of this club and this community. The club has already played a big part in my family settling in here and I want to give back as much as possible. The club is driving forward, with key decisions like having Jim here full time, investing in our facilities, and realigning and strengthening the relationship between the senior club and the Academy is helping piece together a strategic vision as to where the club needs to go."

Liam has valuable experience working in business in his home country of Australia and with various football clubs in Scotland and he is bringing that experience and those connections to hopefully enhance standards at United. "I want to be able to use my connections and expertise in business here. In Scotland I've gained an insight into how the bigger clubs are run and it's about using those learns and connections to hopefully bring up our levels of structure. The top four or six clubs in this league are streaks ahead of the rest and we need to do everything we can to bridge the gap and that's something I'm super passionate about doing."

Chairman Chris Selwood also commented on his delight at having Liam alongside him at board level. "Liam is business minded like myself and I felt I needed some extra support to implement our vision. Liam has helped me before coming onto the board with advice and he was a natural fit to step up to Vice Chairman. Myself and Liam have been at the forefront of driving the club forward off the pitch and we're always singing off the same hymn sheet." He added, "It's exactly what we needed. The club is heading in the right direction and I have to say the board as a whole have signed up to our vision and long may it continue as we look to get to a place we believe we can be."

A full interview with Liam Wilson will follow at a later date.

Ballymena United are pleased to announce the signing of full back David Toure.

The 20 year old joins the Sky Blues following the conclusion of his contract at Glenavon, with United beating a number of clubs on both sides of the Irish Sea to secure the services of the highly rated Irishman.

Toure joined Glenavon from Shelbourne in the winter window of 2024 and enjoyed an impressive eighteen month spell in Mid Ulster which placed him on the radar of a host of sides, but David outlined to the club why Ballymena felt right for him. "From the outside looking in I could see this was a squad that's improving and it was a no brainer really. I spoke to a few lads already here and they love it." The right back also believes he can play a key role in building on the ambitions of the club. "I've had a good season and a half in the league and have a good grasp of it. The club made a good start to last season but it's about maintaining that and pushing on and the top six has to be what we're aiming for at least."

Fresh off the back of bringing Daire O'Connor to the club, manager Jim Ervin knows Toure is another eye catching capture. "David is a quality signing and an exceptional talent. He's young, energetic, enthusiastic and has a big future ahead of him. There was a lot of competition for him and thankfully he's bought into the vision we shared with him. He's another who sets out the standards we're trying to create."

Glad to have you with us David! 🩵🙌