Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Davy spent over a decade at The Showgrounds, primarily in the role of Performance Analyst, before departing in 2023. Following that, he has enjoyed two successful years at Portadown as part of Niall Currie's management team, but will now return to United in a new position.

Speaking to the club, Davy is delighted to return. "I'm excited to be back and I'm really looking forward to getting started as Head of Recruitment. I spoke to Jim and the board and was really impressed with the vision they have for taking the club forward." Davy is also hoping his sizeable experience in the game will be of huge benefit to Ballymena. "Over the years, at Ballymena and elsewhere, I've built up a good network of contacts and hope to use it to our advantage. I'm excited to bring the analytical side of football into the recruitment and I'll leave no stone unturned to get the right profile of player into Ballymena United."

Manager Jim Ervin is also thrilled to welcome a man he knows well into his team. "It's brilliant for us to get Davy Douglas back as Head of Recruitment. His contacts and knowledge both inside and outside of our league are very important." He added, "He's very familar with the place. He's someone I've worked with before and that I trust a lot and when he became available, it was an opportunity we couldn't let pass us by."

Great to have you back, Davy! 🩵

The 22 year old shot stopper has penned a two year deal until 2027 with the club as United boost their goalkeeping options for the season ahead.

Speaking to the club about making the move to The Showgrounds, Declan said, "I'm delighted to have joined Ballymena and I just can't wait to get going now. I've spoke to the manager a few times and he's been keen to have me on board. He has big plans for the club and I want to be a part of it."

Whilst gametime has been limited at Cliftonville, Breen has a couple of loan spells at Ballyclare Comrades under his belt in recent seasons and is now looking to make an impact in the top division. "I want to come in and put a marker down and push whoever is already there" said Declan. "I know I'm probably not going to walk into the team, but I want to push Sean (O'Neill) as much as possible. As a goalkeeper you have to be patient sometimes, but when the opportunity comes, it's up to me to take it with both hands."

Welcome to United, Declan! 🧤

The much sought after striker netted twenty goals in the Playr-Fit Championship last season for the eventually relegated Co. Down side. That came off the back of fifteen goals for Lisburn Distillery in the Premier Intermediate League the season prior and Ryan will now continue his swift rise to the Premiership with United.

Speaking to the club off the back of his arrival, the 25 year old forward is excited to have the chance to prove himself at the highest level. "I'm delighted to be here" said McNickle. "When the opportunity to play Premiership football came about, it was an easy decision. I've shown in my career I can score goals at every level I've played at and I'm confident I can do the same in the Premiership."

When asked why he chose The Showgrounds for his next step, McNickle stressed it was an easy call. "It was a no brainer. This is a big club that has visions of success and hopefully I can assist it in that."

Manager Jim Ervin is also thrilled to have secured Ryan's services. "Ryan has grabbed a lot of headlines at Newry and his numbers in a highly competitive Championship, playing for a club who struggled, speak for themselves." He continued, "He's a determined kid wanting to prove himself at this level. He could've chose other routes but he sees what we're looking to do here. He came on the radar last year at Lisburn, took the step up to Newry and continued his impressive goal scoring record. We've seen it's something we maybe don't have a lot of in the squad, so we're delighted to get him into the building."

Welcome to the Sky Blues, Ryan! 💙⚽️

Sam Johnston, Caleb Crawford, Fiontan O'Boyle and Shane Flynn will all leave the club with the expiry of their contracts this summer, while Duncan Idehen, Conor Barr and Ethan Devine will return to their parent clubs.

Speaking on the exits, manager Jim Ervin wanted to thank the players for their service. 

On Sam Johnston, he said, "we want to wish Sam all the best for the future and highlight the respect we have for what he has given us on and off the pitch in his time here." 

Shane Flynn joined the club in January, but wasn't helped by an early injury. "Shane got frustrated by an injury almost straight away and it set him back, which was a tough one to take, but his attitude was exceptional and we wish him well going forward."

Fiontan O'Boyle and Caleb Crawford both spent last season out on loan. "Both Fiontan and Caleb joined at a time when things were different in terms of what we are working with now. They represented themselves and the club extremely well both with us and out on loan and we wish both lads well with whatever their futures hold."

With regards to Duncan Idehen, Conor Barr and Ethan Devine, all three return to their parent clubs of Derry City and Linfield. The manager remarked "We thank Duncan for the time and effort he put in when he was here and we'd also like to thank Derry City for the working relationship which has seen a number of players go back and forth."

As for Conor, he continued, "Conor's contribution was fantastic, he played extremely well. He has a bright future ahead and his NI U21's call up goes to show how well he did with us."

On Devine, he added "Ethan is a really good person and he scored some really vital goals for us, so we thank him for his efforts and also Linfield for facilitating the move."

Everyone at Ballymena United wishes those who have moved on the very best in their next steps.

Andy joined the first team management staff in January, but has now been confirmed as a permanent fixture alongside Jim, Dermot McVeigh and Stuart Addis for the upcoming season. Having had spells at various Irish League level clubs working with youth groups, as well as time as Head Coach at Limavady and Moyola, Andrew brings another level of experience to the first team staff.

Speaking on Andy making the step up, manager Jim Ervin has praised his work so far. "Andy has done a fantastic job since January and is someone the first team players respect a lot, so we feel he's a really good fit." He continued, "he deserves this step up and has experience with the younger players, one's who will be looking to get in and around first teams and we're very happy to keep him with us at the football club and look forward to seeing where we can go with him."

Welcome aboard Andy 💙

Robbie enjoys success on Sports Bond

Robbie Purdey is a massive Sky Blue supporter and last season showed his commitment to the club by becoming a Sports Bond agent. He has had a few wins on his agency already but this week Robbie (A2520) was a Major winner himself.  Congratulations to Robbie and thanks for your support. 

Another great Sky Blue supporter is Diana McCrystal (A6897).She and husband Vincent follow the Sky Blues home and away throughout the season. This week Diane ,who has been a previous Major winner, was  a £50   Major winner on the agency of Patricia Thompson. Well done Diana and we look forward to seeing you and Vincent next season. 

In the Minor section Alastair Shaw had a £10 winner with Gintares Rinys (A3149) .David Brown had a £10 winner with Robin Elliott (A9924) and Alex Beverland had a £10 winner with Nigel McPeake (A6999)

Still no Jackpot allocated with the numbers 9 16 18 25.There is now only one week left for the Jackpot  to be won at  £950 .If it is not won this week then there will be a guaranteed £1000 draw to the finish until a winner is found. That will be a great start to Summer for some member. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970.  

Agents News

At the recent Club Awards evening there was a New Trophy donated to the Club for the leading goalscorer award. This was kindly donated by Hazel Patterson wife of the late Tommy Patterson. Tommy was a Sports Bond agent since the weekly draw began and is sadly missed at Sports Bond. Most of his agency are still members. Ben Kennedy was the winner of the Tommy Patterson memorial Trophy. We sincerely thank Hazel for her gesture. A fitting tribute to a wonderful Ballymena United supporter over a lifetime. 

Congratulations to Jonathan Nevin who completed the Edinburgh Hall Marathon and raised valuable funds for North West Mountain rescue 

Birthday greetings this week go to Christine Rae on Monday Christine Holmes on Tuesday and Christopher Harris on Friday, All are members on the agency of Maurice Anderson. 

First Score  

The winner of the First Score for the Europa league was Marie Hall who had the winning time of 42 minutes.Marie  bought her ticket from her brother Sports Bond agent Sammy Bones. Marie was also the winner of our New Year's draw  and has received £50 .If you have a winning card please contact Brian Thompson on 07831 803970 

The last First Score of the season is for the Champion league final on Saturday. between Inter Milan and Paris St Germain . Again Tickets are priced at £2 and a winning tickets gets £50 This Champions League Final has a link to the Mid Antrim area as the Groundsman at PSG is Jonathan Calderwood .We hope Jonathan will enjoy the great occasion.

20 year old Tennant spent last season on loan at Championship side Ballyclare Comrades, where he made thirty-four appearances, as well playing once for United in their season opening game before his loan move.

Despite Ballyclare experiencing a turbulent campaign that ultimately ended with relegation a few days ago, Lewis felt he gained a lot personally. "Last season I learnt a lot about myself and a lot about the game too. It'll stand me in good stead, being able to get a full season of men's football will only do me good."

Looking ahead to being back at Ballymena with a new contract, the versatile player is excited to be back home. "I'm absolutely buzzing. It's my boyhood club, the club I've always played for and wanted to play for. Come pre season I'll be ready to go and hopefully I can get into the team. I can't wait to learn off the more experienced players and play as many games as possible."

The 30 year old striker ends his five year stay with United across two spells, having  starred from 2016/17 to 2018/19, before returning two seasons ago.
McMurray's final appearance in sky blue proved to be in early February against Linfield, when he suffered a serious injury that brought a hugely disappointing end to his season.
The club will continue to facilitate Johnny in his rehabilitation and recovery process, as well as aiding him on his coaching badges journey.

We thank Johnny immensely for his service over the years and continue to wish him well in his recovery