Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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     Ballymena United and Larne will meet for the fifth time this season when they do battle in another Shanes Hill derby at the Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon.

United come into this one off the back of a 2-2 draw with Glenavon on Warden Street on Tuesday evening. Against the league's bottom side, the Braidmen couldn't quite hit top standards and despite eventually leading via Kian Corbally just before the break, they were pegged back before half time. The hosts should've been back in front when Igor Rutkowski had a goal chalked off for offside, despite appearing to be on and Glenavon compounded that hard luck by taking the lead in the second half. The Braidmen responded quickly to level thanks to Sean Murray's first for the Club, but they had to settle for a point.

Tuesday was Ballymena's game in hand over Crusaders and the extra point widens the gap to the Crues in eleventh spot, to four points. It is Bangor who sit directly above United and the Seasiders are now within reach with the deficit cut to three points, with Ballymena still holding a game in hand too, as they look to climb the table.

Sean Murray's strike during the week saw the midfielder become the fifth player this campaign to net their first Ballymena United goal. Igor Rutkowski has six of them since joining in January, just as Murray did, with Matty Clarke (3), Daire O'Connor (4) and Jack O'Reilly (2) making up the five first time scorers in 2025/26.

Larne looked to be on a comprehensive march towards a third Gibson Cup, but no wins in their last four has saw the Inver Reds allow those chasing back into the race. Coleraine sit in second spot and are now within just three points, with Linfield and Glentoran also well in the hunt. Larne's league games in February have returned defeats against Portadown and Carrick Rangers and draws with Glentoran and Linfield, with the latter played on Tuesday night. It finished 1-1, when Adam Frizzell cancelled out Leroy Millar's opener. Former United captain Millar was also sent off, with Larne launching an appeal on the decision. The outcome of that is not yet known. Prior to this slight drop in results, Gary Haveron's men had been unbeaten in seventeen league games and their Irish Cup hopes still remain too, with a quarter final against Glentoran next week.

It was in the Irish Cup that the last Shanes Hill derby was played, when Larne edged out their hosts in the fifth round at the start of the month. As the rearranged tie was eventually played, Larne came out 2-1 victors in a close one, with Success Edogun's rocket for United not enough to win the tie. 

As already mentioned, this will be the fifth derby of the season. On top of that Irish Cup rendez-vous, the sides also met in the BetMcLean Cup and Ballymena claimed the bragging rights in that one, thanks to goals from Edogun and Daire O'Connor in a 2-0 win.

2-0 has been a popular scoreline all season, with Larne winning both previous league fixtures by the same scoreline both home and away and both teams end a busy February on Saturday when they get reacquainted at the Showgrounds.

Match Preview by Phillip McPeake.

     First Sports Bond £1000 Jackpot of 2026 on offer 

The first Guaranteed £1000 Jackpot of 2026 is on offer this week after the numbers 8 14 25 27 saw no Jackpot of £950 allocated last week. Altogether, we had three £1000 jackpots won last year, so we now await our first winner of 2026.

The only lady member to win last week was a Major £50 winner for Janice McKeith (A3324) on the agency of Alex Beverland in the Ballymoney road area. 

Two of our bar agencies had winners last week with a Major £50 winner for Sean Brown (A0036) at Charlie's and a £10 win for Nat Bamber (A3424) out in Ahoghill at the Diamond Bar.

The other £50 Major winner was Billy Moody (A5586) on the agency of Patricia Thompson. 

Maurice Anderson is enjoying a fine run at the minute with two Minor winners with John Balmer (B9295) and Robert Linton (A8842). 

This Tuesday will see another member win £1000. Strange as it may seem, nobody has ever won a £1000 Jackpot twice in the 24 years of Sports Bond, to date. That is one statistic we would love to see  change! Our last £1000 Jackpot winner was David Murphy in  Ballykeel back in October 

You can join Sports Bond on 07831 803970. 

 Agents News 

Ballymena United and Sports Bond were saddened to learn of the passing of Roy Miller. Roy was extremely well loved by all who he came into contact with. He loved nothing better than chatting about Ballymena United. A Sports Bond member for over 20 years, he was a good friend of Promoter, Brian Thompson. "Wee Roy, as he was affectionately known, was a wee gentleman," commented Brian, "meeting up with Roy was always a highlight." To the Millar family, Sports Bond extends their deepest sympathy. A poem called "Remember Me" was read out at his funeral service and we certainly will. 

Congratulations to all, including the Sports Bond members, who participated in the Derby Day dander and helped raise a fantastic £10,700. The Purdey family, who we highlighted last week, Robbie, Curtis and Kaitlin, all participated. Well done to Michael Scroggie who helped organise the event.

First Score

The winning time at Coleraine was 28 mins (27min 24 sec). The winner was Sky Blue fan Raymond Harris. Raymond is a big supporter of First Score and has won on previous occasions. Raymond was presented with his £50 winnings and then as a tremendous gesture he donated it to the Derby Day Dander in aid of Air Ambulance. Well done Raymond! 

On Tuesday evening against Crusaders the winning time was 54 min( 53 min 4 sec) . As yet we have had no claims. There are plenty First scores in the weeks ahead.

Cash Call 

With four home matches ahead, there are still plenty of opportunities to get your Cash Call card, with the draw on March 14th! On that date, 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, 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."

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.

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