Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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The twenty-one year old winger joined the 'Gers in February following a spell in Sweden with Ytterhogdals IK and went on to make eleven appearances for Stephen Baxter's men. Jack's career began with St Pats Academy, which was followed by a move to Bohemians, before he made the switch to Sweden. 

On joining United, Jack said, "I'm delighted to have got the deal over the line. After having a chat with the gaffer, I really like his goals and expectations and I feel I can contribute to them." He added, "I'm experienced now to what the league has to offer and I really think I can hit the ground running with a full season under my belt. The facilities here are top class and the club is heading in the right direction."

Manager Jim Ervin is also delighted to add a player of Jack's style to the squad. "Jack is fit, dynamic, quick and very direct. He's a good, young prospect who can play wide, in the middle or at wing back, but primarily he's an attacking player that excites us and will get fans off their seats." He continued, "When we were made aware of his availability he was definitely someone we wanted to speak to. The discussions went well, he was really enthusiastic to come to Ballymena and we're looking forward to having what is another pleasing signing."

Welcome to Ballymena United Jack! 🫡

Ballymena United are delighted to announce the signing of defender Matthew Clarke. 

The 31 year old joins the club following a spell at Livingston, where he helped Livi secure promotion back to the Scottish Premiership, as well as lifting the Scottish Challenge Cup.

Prior to his time in Scotland, Matthew's eleven year stint at Linfield needs no introduction as he established himself as one of the league's best and most decorated defenders and we are thrilled to have secured his services as he returns to Northern Ireland.

Commenting on our newest recruit, manager Jim Ervin outlined how exciting the transfer is for the club. "Matthew is a brilliant signing, he is a big coup for us. When a player of his calibre comes up, you'd be stupid not to be interested and after a few conversations, thankfully he thought here was the place for him."

The manager is also well aware of the experience a man who lifted countless trophies with Linfield brings to The Showgrounds. "The experience he brings with him is huge from our point of view. Sometimes it's just about adding that bit of know-how to the team. Matthew can play a variety of positions, so it's huge for us with what we're looking to do."

Stay tuned to hear from the man himself when the first interview with Matthew Clarke drops a little later... 💬

Welcome to The Showgrounds Matthew! 🩵

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 💙

Ryan calls the tune on Sports Bond 

As well as being a Ballymena United supporter for many years Ryan Kenny is also a proud member of Pride of the Maine flute band. The band are currently celebrating their Fiftieth anniversary and had a great turnout at their anniversary parade on June 7th .Amongst their ranks that evening were quite a few Sports Bond members and agents. Ryan (A7216) was one of 67 flutters on that evening and he had further celebration when he became a £50 Major winner in the Sports Bond draw. Ryan is one of our members who pays by  Standing order .Congratulations to Ryan and thanks for your support. We hope Pride of the Maine go on to have many more Parades.

Ballykeel was the Sports Bond hotspot this week with a Major and minor winner on the agency of Brett Thompson. The £50 Major winner was Christine Balmer (A9973) and Ballymena United supporter Rodney Gourley(A6247) was the  Minor winner. For Christine it was her second Major win and Rodney has been a previous winner also .

Out in Kells there was a £10 win for  Margaret Boyd (B7186) who was a previous £1000 Jackpot winner many years ago .In Ballymena there was another win for John Kearney ((A0093)

After the excitement of the  Jackpot win for Thomas McRoberts it was back to the starting point for the Jackpot and the Jackpot numbers of 18 22 27 28 were not allocated and so the Jackpot starts it's rise again. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970 

Agents News

Birthday wishes go to Stephen Stirling who celebrates his Birthday on Monday. Maurice Anderson delivered the Jackpot cheque of £1000 to Thomas McRoberts in Larne .

 Direct canvassing  

Direct canvassing have been out recently in the Carnwood area and Maine Park in Galgorm Look out for more canvassing in the weeks ahead. Better still why not became a Sports Bond agent and become a part of the Sports Bond network. We would particularly like to hear from possible agents in the Kells and Connor area

PSG  Champions of Europe

Congratulations to Jonathan Calderwood who is the head Groundsman at PSG .Jonathan who hails from Mid Antrim was in Munich with his son to witness an incredible PSG win.No doubt the celebrations will go on for some time

Telstar success 

As many are aware Sales and Marketing executive Brian Thompson supports Telstar in the Dutch First Division. This season They finished in Seventh place and qualified for the play offs which is quite complicated and lasts for 2 weeks They First defeated Ado Den Hague Home and away. Then defeated Den Bosch on aggregate.to get to play Premier league side  Willem 11 in the final.They  unluckily  drew the First leg at Home but went to Willem and incredibly won Three goals to one. Two of the goals were scored  by  Mees Kaandorp whose shirt is sponsored by Brian.So next season they will be up against Ajax. Feyenoord and PSV .Telstar known as the White Lions have great times to look forward to 

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