Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Ballymena United and Playr-Fit have teamed up to bring supporters a brand-new

spring leisurewear collection.

The 2026 Spring Collection is built for Ballymena United fans who represent the

Sky Blues wherever they go. From the terraces to the town, there’s something in

this range for every supporter.

Here’s what’s available at www.skyblue-superstore.co.uk

• The Anthem Jacket comes in two colours; a crisp white and a classic sky blue both priced at £45. Sharp, versatile, and unmistakably United.

• The Retro Softshell (£45) and Retro Hoody (£45) tap into that old-school Ballymena feel with a modern finish. These are the kind of pieces that never go out of style.

• The McBurney Transport Retro 80’s Shirt at £50. A nod to the club’s heritage and the latest remake of the shirts of yesteryear.

• Rounding out the collection is the All Navy 1/4 Zip at £40; the perfect everyday layer for any time of year.

And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got a special deal running alongside the launch:

all current-season away replica shirts are now available at half price until the end

of the season at just £25. If you haven’t picked one up yet, now’s your chance.

The full collection is available now through the club’s official shop and online

store. Sizes are limited, so don’t sleep on it.

Come on Sky Blues.
     

Maurice is enjoying fine form on Sports Bond 

The month of January was a poor month for Sports Bond agent Maurice Anderson. However, 

 the month of February saw a change in fortune for the popular agent who lives in  Gracehill. After a number of Major and Minor wins, Maurice ended the month with a fantastic £1000 Jackpot win in the last week of February for Derek Connor. This week, Maurice continued his fine run with another Major winner in Catrina Morgan (A1677) who also lives in  Gracehill. Catrina also had a Major win at the end of last year. Congratulations to Catrina and thank you to Maurice for his great work.

Sports Bond agent Rosemary Lynn was back in the winners list with a Major win for Sam Lowry (A7940), who has been a member for around a year. This was Sam's first win - well done Sam!

In the Minor section, there was a win for Aaron Todd (A1714) on his own agency. In Antrim, there was a win for Roisin McGarry (A2259) on the agency of Alastair Shaw, while back in Ballymena there was a £10 win for Cipriam Costea (A3368). This is Cipriam's second win on Sports Bond having been a £50 winner last year.

After last week's Jackpot win for Derek Connor, the Jackpot returned to its starting point of £100. The jackpot numbers were 17 22 23 26. However, there was no winner, so the Jackpot begins to rise once again. 

Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

                                                                          Agents News 

Birthday greetings to Kenny Allen who celebrates another birthday on Monday! We also send birthday wishes to Andy Davison  who will be celebrating his birthday next Sunday. Both are members of Maurice Anderson's agency. 

                                                            First Score 

Andrew Purvis is a great supporter of First Score, and has been a previous winner. On Saturday, Andrew was a winner again as he had the winning time of 84 minutes (83 min 45 sec). Andrew picked up £50 and will be on £100 if he wins again this season. 

Next First Score will be on Saturday against Carrick Rangers. A First Score for the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City will also be on sale this week. 

                       Cash Call                                                                                           

This Saturday sees the culmination of this year's Cash Call and we will find out who follows the success of Karl Herbison (2024) and Trevor Robinson (2025)!  Make sure you are in the draw to win £1000! You can still get an entry card before the match on Saturday, or contact Brian Thompson on 07831 803970. On Saturday, at 5.30pm, the promotion will begin on the Ballymena United YouTube Channel. If your phone number is pulled out, you must answer within 5 rings and answer "COME ON SKY BLUES."  For that correct answer, you will win £1000! 

Ballymena United return to action after a welcome week long break when they face Portadown at the Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon.

Following a relentless schedule throughout the month of February, United have had a free midweek to begin March, albeit it meant more time to mull over last weekend's defeat to Larne in the latest Shanes Hill derby. Remarkably, for the fourth time in the five meetings this season, a 2-0 scoreline was returned, the third of which was in Larne's favour. Andy Ryan's two first half penalties were the difference in the game, with the Braidmen's hopes of a second half revival not aided by the sending off of Success Edogun, who will now sit out the visit of the Ports.

The Sky Blues remain locked in tenth spot following last weekend's matches and will stay there regardless of Saturday's result. Bangor's point from Carrick Rangers took them four clear of United in ninth and while a win now won't take Ballymena above the Seasiders, it would certainly help close the gap. Crusaders remain four points off Oran Kearney's men in eleventh, though they will hold a game in hand when Saturday's game has concluded, with United's game the only league action this weekend.

Niall Currie's Portadown side were playing during the week, after hosting Cliftonville at Shamrock Park. They were on the wrong end of a 2-0 loss to the Reds, after Joe Sheridan scored the first and Rory Hale added a controversial second late on.

A run of four straight defeats in the league, plus an Irish Cup exit to Dungannon Swifts, had Portadown moving in the wrong direction towards the wrong end of the table, before wins over Larne and the Swifts steadied them in the standings. Since then, another two defeats have followed, including Wednesday night, to keep the Ports within United's sights. They sit two places and five points ahead of the Braidmen, with the same games played, before they meet on Warden Street.

It had been sometime since United welcomed the Ports' Mid Ulster neighbours Glenavon to Ballymena, until the meeting last month and the same goes for Portadown, who haven't travelled in our direction for over a year.

The last three encounters have all taken place at Shamrock Park, including the two previous this campaign. Oran Kearney got his reign as Ballymena United manager underway in Portadown back in December, only for James Teelan to score the only goal of the game, while Ben Kennedy and Jack O'Reilly scored the goals in United's 2-0 win at the beginning of the season.

February 2025 was that last meeting at the Showgrounds, the day on which James Hood scored his first Ballymena goal in a successful day in a 2-0 win and as United finally catch up on all their rearranged games this weekend, a win would go a long way.

Match Preview by Phillip McPeake.

  Ballymena United, one of the leading clubs in the Sports Direct Premiership, has appointed communications consultancy Clearbox to support the team’s marketing and communications campaigns. 

Clearbox will support Ballymena United on the development and implementation of a new communications strategy, brand positioning and key messages. Clearbox will also support Ballymena United through a digital marketing campaign, designed to increase match ticket sales.

The Clearbox team brings a wealth of experience to Ballymena United. The Clearbox team will be led by Neil Coleman, former Head of Communications and Digital Innovation at the Northern Ireland Football League, and John Megaughin, who has worked with sporting organisations like the Professional Darts Corporation, FIFA, UEFA and the International Olympic Committee.

Speaking on the appointment, Ballymena United Chairman Chris Selwood said: “Ballymena United is on a mission to become one of the leading sports organisations in the UK and Ireland. After emerging from financial difficulty two years ago, we’re now debt-free, ambitious and building something special. As a club with the best facilities in the league, we want partners who are the best at what they do and that’s why we’ve partnered with Clearbox.

“The agency works with some of the biggest brands in the world, and has a unique understanding of communications in sport. We’re excited to be working with Clearbox and have already seen the impact of their professionalism, knowledge and creativity.”

Clearbox’s Neil Coleman added: “Having spent years at the heart of Northern Ireland football communications, I know exactly what it takes to cut through in this space. Ballymena United is a club with real history, a passionate fanbase, and a board that's genuinely driving the club forward. Working with our Clearbox team to help deliver that vision is something I'm really looking forward to. We know this league, we know these fans, and we know how to get results.”

John Megaughin from Clearbox said: “Neil and I have spent our lives on the Ballymena terraces, so to be stepping inside the club in a professional capacity is something genuinely special. Ballymena United is a giant of the Irish League and a club that's clearly on the move with a board that means business. We're honoured to be partnering with Chris, Liam and the team to build on that momentum, and we're confident we can make a real difference on and off the pitch.”
 

Clearbox is a leading communications consultancy that’s spent many years delivering standout communications for clients across local, national, and global markets. Clearbox reframes brand and business challenges to spark long-term innovation, and its team works with curiosity, creativity, and delivers seriously impactful results. Clearbox’s current clients include Amazon, AWS, Deliveroo, Morelli’s Ice Cream, Ring, SistersIN, The NI Wedding Director, Toast and WellFest.

For further information, please contact BUFC@clearboxcommunications.com

Ballymena United Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Philip Kyle to its Board of Directors.

Philip brings extensive football administration experience and professional expertise to the role, having served as Chairman of the Club's Management Committee since 2023. His appointment to the Board represents a natural progression following his significant contributions to the development of the Club over the past two years.

A passionate supporter of the club, he has been actively involved with both the Youth Academy and Senior Club for 19 years across two separate spells. Additionally, his experience spans roles at NIFL Championship clubs including Ballyclare Comrades, where he served as Director and as part of the backroom staff (2021-2022), and Dundela (2022-2023), providing him with valuable insight into football operations across different levels of football in Northern Ireland.

Professionally, Philip serves as an Asset Performance Engineer at NI Water, where he has held senior management positions. His expertise in corporate governance, budget management, and project delivery will prove invaluable to the Club's continued development.

Philip Kyle commented: "I am honoured to join the Board of Directors at Ballymena United Football Club. This club has been a huge part of my life, and I am committed to using my experience both in football administration and my professional career to help drive the Club forward. I'm excited to contribute to achieving the ambitious goals we have set for Ballymena United's future."

Chris Selwood, Chairman of Ballymena United Football Club, said: "We are delighted to welcome Philip to the Board. His dedication to Ballymena United is unquestionable, and he brings a unique combination of football knowledge and corporate governance expertise that will strengthen our Board as we continue to build for the future. His appointment reflects our commitment to having people who are passionate about this Club and its future in key positions."

The appointment takes effect immediately.

Ballymena United’s current Board of Directors is as follows; Chris Selwood (Chair), Liam Wilson (Vice-Chair), John Anderson, Gary McConnell, Ronnie McDowell, Emma Russell, Ivan Russell. 

"The plans Oran and the Board have for the place, where they want to go and how they want to do things, they really interested me to come here" 

Hear from Fuad Sule for the first time as a Sky Blue following his recent arrival at United...

https://youtu.be/GnUJ-_6-Mt0

Ballymena United were delighted to complete the deadline day signing of Fuad Sule from Indonesian club Peris Solo.

The talented 29-year-old midfielder has been regarded as one of the top talents in the Irish League over recent seasons, having starred for both Glentoran and Larne, winning the Gibson Cup in 2023 with the Inver Park club.

Pending international clearance, Fuad will be available for selection for Tuesday’s re-arranged Premiership game with Crusaders at the Showgrounds.

(Our thanks to Darren Crawford for kindly capturing these photographs).

Ballymena United is thrilled to announce the signing of defender Shane McEleney from Glentoran.

The 34 year old arrives on Warden Street having spent a year at the Oval, where he made 27 appearances for Declan Devine's side. 

Following a successful six year spell with hometown club Derry City, Shane's career has taken him to St Pat's, Ottawa Fury, Larne, Finn Harps and back to Derry City, before his time in East Belfast.

Shane will join up with his brother, Patrick, at the Showgrounds and will be available for selection for the home game with Portadown this coming weekend.

Speaking to the club for the first time after confirming his signing, Shane said: "I'm delighted to get this over the line and have a fresh start. I had a conversation with Oran and Liam and obviously Patrick too. They were excited to get me in and I was excited to join."

McEleney brings a wealth of quality and experience both on and off the pitch and is keen to add that to our squad: "I just want to be playing football matches and helping the team. I'm an experienced player and I want to use that to help the younger players. It's a young, enthusiastic squad with a few senior pros and I can add to that and hopefully help kick us on. There's a lot to play for and I'm looking forward to getting started."

Ballymena United is pleased to add to our goalkeeping options with the signing of Brad Wade on a short term deal.

The 25 year old arrives on Warden Street after leaving Waterford at the end of their season and will join Declan Breen in United's goalkeeping group following the retirement of Sean O'Neill this week. 

Wade, a prolific shot stopper, represented a number of clubs in England before travelling across the Irish Sea to Cork City in 2024, making 36 appearances as he helped guide Cork to the First Division title. Brad then made the move to Premier Division side Waterford in January 2025.

Speaking to the club following his signing, Wade outlined he wants to make his time here count. He said: "After speaking to the manager and those around the club, I'm really excited to be here and excited to get playing again until the end of the season. There's massive games coming up that I'm looking forward to being a part of and trying to help bring success."

Speaking on his strengths, Brad said: "I'm good with my feet and a good shot stopper. I like to communicate with everyone else and make their job easier."

Manager Oran Kearney also spoke about bringing a goalkeeper to the club: "When we knew Sean was going, we knew we had to bring someone in. Brad came onto our radar and has been training with Derry City and he has a good number of games behind him." He continued: "We got a good insight into him from Sean Murray, who he played with at Cork. He speaks highly of Brad and we're really looking forward to welcoming him."

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."

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