Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

---

Tickets for the annual Boxing Day derby are now available to all supporters!

Please note:
• This is an all-ticket fixture
• Allocated seating will be in operation in the Home Grandstand
• Academy passes are not valid for this fixture 

The Boxing Day derby is always one of the biggest fixtures of the season - make sure you’ve got your seat secured and join us at the Showgrounds! 

General Sale https://eventlist.store/ballymenaunited/home?ftredirect=1

Season Ticket Holders https://eventlist.store/ballyme.../coleraineboxingdaystoffer  

𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 2025/26 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝘾.

If you are planning to attend the Boxing Day derby against Coleraine FC at the Ballymena Showgrounds on 26th December 2025, the club is asking that Season Ticket holders indicate their intention to attend the game and select their seat in the home stand.  There will be no cost to this, the game is included as part of your Season Ticket.  The reason for this is to anticipate numbers and maximise the number of home stand match tickets available for sale.  A capacity restriction will be in place as part of the Club's Health and Safety Certificate - allocated seating allows for a larger capacity for the home stand and a bigger Sky Blue support.

Click the link above and order a zero-value ticket for each ST Holder who will be attending the game and select a seat from the seat map of the home stand.  To do this you will be asked to enter the email address that was used at the time of purchasing your season ticket(s).  If you bought several Season Tickets using the same email address you can order this number of tickets / select seats if they are also going to attend the match on Boxing Day (must correspond to your ST account).  Incorrect orders will be voided.  Once ordered you will receive an email with the tickets attached, these e-tickets can be used to gain entry to the game instead of your normal Season Ticket.  

ST holders must use the email address that was used when the Season Ticket was bought.

If another ST was bought at a different time using the same email address please send an email to tickets@ballymenaunitedfc.com with the Order Number and Seat Number required.  The eTicket will be emailed to you.

Please take care when selecting your seat as this cannot be changed.

Please note if you have directors box ticket this does not apply.

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
     

Belated Birthday Greetings for Sports Bond 

Recently we have been more concerned with our members birthdays that we forgot Sports Bond own BirthdayI  It was in November 2001 that Sports Bond had its first ever draw and so we have celebrated our 24th Birthday a truly amazing achievement. To celebrate our anniversary we are adding another £50 Major prize to our weekly draw .

Agent of the week was Alastair Shaw who had a Major winner and a Minor winner. The Major winner was Lucy Peoples (A6398) and his Minor winner was Denis Drewery ( B1107). Both have been winners before. Denis is actually living in the United States and his membership is paid by his daughter Denise.

In Ahoghill there will be celebrations at the Diamond Bar as Angela McClellan ( A3645) h was a £50 Major winner. Again, Angela has been a previous winner as was George McCullough (A1743) .The Ballymena man has had quite a few wins over the years.George has had mostly £10 Minor wins but on this occasion it was £50.

However we did have a First time winner with James Balmer  (A6349) at the Diamond Bar. As well, our final £10 Minor winner was a bit special as it was Kelly Donnelly ( A4784). Kelly won £50 a few months ago. However, Kelly was also a £1000 Jackpot winner some years back and now she has joined that elite grouping of Jackpot, Major and Minor winner. Well done to Kelly and we hope more join that grouping in the future. 

No Jackpot was allocated with the numbers 2 18 21 28 and so the Jackpot is £450 for this week 

Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970 

                                                                 Agent News 

Sports Bond would like to express our deepest sympathy to Sports Bond agent Reid McAuley whose Grandmother Margaret Greenwood passed last week. Margaret was a Sports Bond member since Reid was an agent. We also extend our sympathy to Roberta McAuley, Reid's Mum.

We also were saddened to learn of the passing of another Sports Bond member of many years, Betty Henry of Forthill Park. Betty in recent times was in a care home but was a great lover of Sports Bond. 

Best wishes to Sports Bond member Benny McGarry who is due to go under Cataract surgery this week 

                                                                First Score 

Ronnie Fullerton and daughter Stephanie Burns are avid players of First Score. On Saturday both purchased First Score cards. The winning time was 8 minutes (7 mins 33 sec) and it was Ronnie who had the winning time, picking up £50. Will Ronnie or Stephanie win again this season? Possibly. 

With Saturday's visit to Shamrock park being Oran Kearney's first game in charge their will be a good traveling support and First Score will be there.

New Year Draw 

Distribution is well underway for this New year Draw. Already the great prizes on offer are attracting a lot of attention. The First prize sponsored by McCurdy Fuels is 500 litres of home heating oil .The last time we had a similar prize it was won by Jonathan Downey who gave the oil to the home of his Mum, Sports Bond agent Margaret Downey.

Second prize is a Fantastic overnight stay at Grays Hotel and Brasserie in Bushmills.

Make sure you get tickets for the Draw. All tickets are £1 in books of Ten.

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."

Ballymena United are delighted to announce that Patrick McEleney has signed a contract extension with the club.

The experienced midfielder was a major addition when he arrived from Derry City in January, going on to make 15 appearances and score 3 goals for the Sky Blues last season.

Now wearing the No. 10 shirt for the upcoming campaign, McEleney said it was an easy decision to stay:

🗣️ “I’ve loved it here so far, and when the club came to me about extending, it was done quite quickly. I came in with an open mind and was looking forward to a new challenge — the changing room has been brilliant.”

Looking ahead to the new season, which kicks off this weekend, Patrick added:

🗣️ “It’s about pushing on now — finishing higher up the table and seeing what we can do in the cups. I want to play as much as I can and help the younger lads around me too.”

💫 More McEleney Magic coming our way in 2025/26!

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! 🩵🙌 

Ballymena United are thrilled to announce the signing of forward Daire O'Connor from Hamilton Academical on a multi year deal.

The Sky Blues beat a number of local rivals to secure the signature of the 28 year old Irishman, who returns to the Irish League after a spell in Scotland. Formerly of Cliftonville and Glentoran, with a stint at Ayr United in between, O'Connor left East Belfast in 2024 to join Hamilton but spent the second half of last season on loan at East Kilbride, helping the South Lanarkshire side secure a spot in the SPFL after winning the Lowlands League.

Chatting to the club about becoming a Braidman, Daire highlighted why Ballymena stood out to him over other potential suitors. "I was drawn by the ambition. They're very motivated to push up the table, finish closer to Europe and get a cup run." Returning to a league he knows well, the winger is excited to get back to business here with United. "This is a league I've thrived in before, I feel like I know it almost inside out. Things didn't work out in Scotland but I have a spring in my step again to prove some people wrong and show The Showgrounds what I can do."

Manager Jim Ervin is delighted Daire opted to make The Showgrounds home. "He's an unbelievable talent that we all know about and he's another one we've targeted and spoke to for a few months once we heard of the possibility of him coming home. Other clubs were interested as is well documented, but thankfully we were able to sell him the club and the vision."

The boss is also aware of the quality O'Connor adds to the squad. "He's very direct, pacy and has a great delivery. His numbers at the Glens prove that and when a player of that ability comes up, you'd be silly not to go for it. I'm really excited to work with him, he's been brilliant so far with his enthusiasm in our conversations and he's a really experienced senior player we can't wait to have."

Great to have you with us Daire! 🩵⚡️

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! 🩵