Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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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."

Agents are winners on Sports Bond. 

The main reason why Sports Bond has been in operation for 24 years is the strength of its Agent Network. Over the years we have had many agents contribute to Sports Bond success. Most are Sky Blue supporters who who are keen for the club to be successful. Not only do they work on behalf of Sports Bond each week but they also help to sell tickets for First Score, Grand Sports Draw, New Years Draw and Cash Call. We are always delighted when an agent wins on Sports Bond on their   own name. 

This week we had two agents who won on their own agency. In Cloughmills, Robert Logan (A0428)was a £50 Major winner on his own agency. It has been a good time for the Logan family on Sports Bond as recently son Jamie was a Major winner and last year Robert's mum, Vivian, was also a Major winner. Congratulations to Robert and thanks for your agency support. 

Our other Sports Bond agent who was a   winner this week was Francine Warwick (A5823) who was a £10 minor winner on the agency she runs at the Horse n Jockey on Bryan Street. Francine was once a £1000 Jackpot winner and we would be delighted if she repeated the feat .

For the second week in a row, we incredibly had a member of the McCallion family win on the agency of Margaret Downey. Last week it was Mark McCallion and this week it was Alan McCallion (A3745). As mentioned last week there are four members of the McCallion family in Sports Bond. Could it be the turn of Laurence or Phillip? That would be incredible but possible on Sports Bond. 

Up to last week Neil McVeigh  (A8574) had only ever won a £10 minor prize on Sports Bond, but this week he was a £50 Major winner on the agency of Maurice Anderson. 

The other two Minor winners were Niall McFall (A7949) on the agency of Aaron Todd and Billy McCartney (A6409) on the agency at the Diamond in Ahoghill. 

The Jackpot numbers 9 10 11 21 saw no Jackpot allocated and so the Jackpot is £900 for this week, meaning we could be looking at a guaranteed jackpot of £1000 in three weeks time. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

                                                          First Score 

The winning time for the First Score in the Match against Larne in the Irish Cup was 35 mins (34 52 sec). As yet, we have no claims. If you have a 35 mins card, please contact Brian Thompson on 07831 803970. Hard luck to Trevor Davidson who had 34 mins. First Score will be back at the Showgrounds on Tuesday evening and at the Oval next Saturday. 

                                                                     New Year's Draw 

Paula Cahoon and Caroline Brennan are off to the Grand Opera house this Saturday evening to the Elvis Spectacular show, starring Ciaran Houlihan. Thanks go to Mervyn Boyd for generously donating the Tickets. 

                                                                    CASH CALL 2026

March 14 is Cash Call day where someone will win £1000. In 2024, it was Sky Blue supporter Karl Herbison who won the £1000. Last year, it was another Sky Blue supporter, Trevor Robinson, who won the £1000. To win, all you have to say when called is "COME ON SKY BLUES."  Tickets go into distribution this week -  make sure you are in the draw! 

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
     

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.