Ballymena United Football CLUB NEWS

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Ballymena United are happy to announce the signing of defender Joel Thompson from Finn Harps on a multi year deal. 

After bursting onto the scene when making his Crusaders debut aged just 15, Joel made the move across the water to Nottingham Forest in 2022, where he spent two injury plagued years before leaving for Colchester. A loan spell at Aveley FC followed, but after returning closer to home earlier this year at Finn Harps, the 19 year old has now put pen to paper at The Showgrounds.

Speaking to the club about returning to the Irish League, Joel is happy to have made his way to The Showgrounds. "I'm buzzing, really delighted to be here. I spoke to Jim a few times about his plans and the players he has here already and it's exciting the experience the squad has." The former Crues man is also ready to hit the ground running this season. "I'm here to come in and play. We have high hopes for this season, we want to push up the league and go on a few cup runs. I loved my time at Finn Harps, played plenty of games and it was really my first full season of men's football and I was ready for it."

Manager Jim Ervin is also thrilled to add the exciting teenager to his ranks and outlined it's been an arrival a while in the making. "We're really happy to get Joel in. He trained with us in January and did extremely well, but because he'd already played for two UK clubs last season, he couldn't play for a third. He ended up at Finn Harps for six months but we kept in contact with him and when we knew he wouldn't be staying there we were keen to get him in the building." The manager continued, "We were even more happy after sitting down with him and hearing what he wants to do. He can play a number of positions, left back, left wing back, even as a number 6. He'll have a bit of a break because he's been playing constantly for Finn Harps recently, but he's up to speed and we're looking forward to getting him in."

Welcome to The Showgrounds Joel! 🩵🙌

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! 🩵⚡️

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.

Ken has that winning feeling on Sports Bond

Ken Anderson (A1040) is one of our Antrim based Sky Blues and has been a Sports Bond member for many years on the agency of Alastair Shaw. Ken has been a great supporter of all our promotions and was recently a winner on First Score. This week his good fortune continued with a £50 Major win on Sports Bond. Well done Ken and thanks for your support. 

Another man with impeccable Ballymena United credentials is Willy John Mclaughlin (B0274) .

Willy is no stranger to the winners list on Sports Bond and could well be our member with the most wins on Sports Bond. This week he was once again a £50 Major winner on the agency of his daughter Janice Christie. 

Just over a Month ago Sky Blue fan Jonathan Nevin ( A8600 ) was a participant in the Edinburgh Half Marathon which he completed in a good time and raised valuable funds for Mountain rescue. This week Jonathan, who pays half yearly, was a £10 minor winner. Down at the Horse n Jockey there was another £10 win for Dessie Hamill (A4689 ).Our only lady member winner was Hazel Patterson (A6202 )  

No Jackpot was allocated with the numbers 8 12 16 17 and so the Jackpot is now £300 for this week's draw. Join Sports Bond now on 07831 803970. 

Agents News

All at Sports Bond were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Purkess of Ahoghill. Ann had been battling illness and passed away on Tuesday July 1rst.Ann was a long time member on the agency of Maurice Anderson. To her husband Michael  son Robin and wife Claire and family we extend our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. 

Birthday greetings to Sports Bond agent Margaret Downey who actually celebrated her birthday last week whilst on holiday with husband Tommy in Sunny beach Bulgaria. 

Many congratulations to Sports Bond member Darren Walker and wife Jenny who celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on Friday .

 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