Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Ballymena United is delighted to now confirm that Sean Murray has joined the club to bolster our midfield options. 

The 32 year old, who can play in a variety of positions in the midfield, arrives at the Showgrounds having most recently spent time with Cork City in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Murray has experienced the Irish League before after a two year stint at Glentoran, as well as spending time in the EFL at the likes of Watford and Colchester United.

The Englishman, who represented the Republic of Ireland at U21 level, joins Igor Rutkowski and Dean Ebbe in adding to Oran Kearney's ranks in this transfer window and will be available for selection straight away.

Speaking to the club ahead of the announcement of his signing, Sean said: "What drew me most to Ballymena was the staff and the people around the club. The project is a positive one and I'm happy to be a part of it. He added: "Hopefully as I get up to scratch in the next couple of weeks and we get a few people back, we can go on a bit of a charge up the table. Ballymena is a sleeping giant with great facilties and a great fan base."

Manager Oran Kearney also spoke about bringing Murray to the club. He said: "Sean brings experience. You don't play the amount of games that he played for Watford in the Championship without undoubted star quality." Oran continued: "He had a few injury issues but he got those sorted a couple of years ago and has played seventy odd games for Cork since. He's absolutely flying and ready to go and we're looking forward to working with him."

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.

  Maurice has a winning time on Sports Bond 

There was no disputing who the agent of the week was this week. In the Christmas week draw on Sports Bond, Maurice Anderson's agency dominated the winners list. Maurice had two Major £50 winners and one Minor £10 winner. Both of his Major winners are Ahoghill residents. They were 

Carolyn Lorimer (A4802) and Paul McNaul(B2965). This is Carolyn's First Sports Bond win so congratulations to her as she has been a member for a few years. Paul was a Major £50 winner last year. The Minor winner was Aden McRoberts (A9350) who lives in Larne. Aden is a Rugby enthusiast and was a £1000 Jackpot winner earlier in the year, so this has been a very good year for the young man. 

The other Major winner was Billy Nicholl (A0343 ) who pays by standing order. Billy is  a Broughshane resident and was originally a member on Sammy Bones' agency. Sammy, who lives close by, had a £10 Minor winner with Eddie Mark(A2918). The remaining minor winner this week was Billy Moody (A8075) on the agency of Patricia Thompson. 

The Jackpot numbers 18 19 21 24 were not allocated to any member and so the Jackpot continues to rise. This week £600 is on offer. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

                                                                      Agents News 
We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of George Ernest Mitchell on Boxing Day. George’s father, Geoffrey Mitchell, has been a long-standing Sports Bond member, and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with him and the Mitchell family during this difficult time.

We were pleased to learn that members Benny McGarry and Tom Agnew are recovering well from recent surgery. 
We were also happy to hear that Donald Mairs has returned home from hospital and recuperation many months after a nasty accident. 
Belated birthday greetings for Sports Bond agent Alastair Shaw who celebrated another birthday just before Christmas. 

   First Score 
Ballymena United's First Score on Boxing day was recorded on 12 minutes (11 mins 30 sec).That Daire O'Connor goal led to Three winers on First Score. Last year, Broughshane man Davy Craig had Three First Score wins and that earned him a Free Season ticket and on Boxing Day he recorded hid first win of this Season and picked up £50. Michael Kerr was the next to claim with his first ever win on First Score and he collected £50. Antrim Sky Blue supporter Ken Anderson didn't realise that he was a First Score winner until he got home. He also will receive £50.
Congratulations to all.
A First Score winner has been found for the match with Carrick Rangers and that was Graeme O'Neill. He had the winning card of 40 minutes and collected £50. Graeme runs the hot food vans at the Showgrounds.

NEW YEAR Draw 
The NEW YEAR draw will take place at half time at the NIFL Premiership match with Glenavon. Then we will know who will have won the fantastic prizes on offer. Top prize is 500litres of Home heating oil sponsored by McCurdy Fuels. 
Second prize is an overnight stay for two people at Grays Hotel Bushmills which will include Evening meal and Cocktails. 
Third Prize is £100 sponsored by Sports Bond which will be £150 if won by a Sports Bond member. 
Fourth prize is a Meal for Two people sponsored by Castle Kitchen and Bar. 
Fifth prize is Afternoon Tea for Two people sponsored by the Ross Park Hotel. 
Sixth prize is Complimentary tickets for the Elvis spectacular starring Ciaran Houlihan at the Grand Opera house Belfast. Ciaran Houlihan was recently placed Second at the World Elvis competition in Las Vegas. 
There are numerous other prizes so make sure you have purchased your ticket for the Draw.

     Ballymena United Calendar 2026
Saturday will be your last chance to purchase a Calendar at the Match with Glenavon. Get yous then to plan your Days out  in 2026

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
     

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."

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! 🩵🙌