Irish League Football

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  1. Cliftonville sign former Derby midfielder Fapetupublished at 18:40 7 August

    Adebayo Fapetu in action for Derby County against WolvesImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Fapetu has spent pre-season with Cliftonville

    Cliftonville have added midfielder Adebayo Fapetu to their squad ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against Bangor on Sunday.

    The 20-year-old started his career at Arsenal before joining Derby County in 2021 where he was a regular in their underage sides.

    He has featured for the Reds in pre-season and subject to international clearance will be part of Jim Magilton's side for their trip to Clandeboye Park this weekend.

    The Englishman becomes Cliftonville's fifth summer addition after PJ Morrison, Conor Falls, Conor Barr and Rhyss Campbell.

  2. Dungannon Swifts season previewpublished at 18:24 7 August

    Dungannon Swifts celebrate Irish Cup successImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 League position: 4th

    2024-25 Irish Cup winners

    Manager: Rodney McAree

    Opening fixtures: Linfield (A) - 10 August; Portadown (H) - 16 August; Coleraine (A) - 19 August; Carrick Rangers (H) - 23 August; Bangor (A) - 30 August

    Dungannon Swifts are hoping to build on a memorable 2024-25 campaign that culminated in their first Irish Cup triumph.

    That cup win opened the door to Europe for the Mid Ulster outfit, and while they secured a 1-0 away win against Vaduz, they were beaten in extra-time in the return leg.

    With their Conference League adventure over, the Swifts begin the domestic season with a trip to champions Linfield on Sunday.

    Boss Rodney McAree has, however, had to plan for the new season without a few key players. Irish Cup-winning captain Dean Curry has retired while frontman John McGovern joined League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers.

    McAree has strengthened his squad, though, bringing in defender Mal Smith following his departure from Crusaders while forward Darragh McBrien has returned for a second spell at Stangmore Park after being released by Linfield.

    2025-26 signings so far: Mal Smith (Crusaders), Peter Maguire (Ballinamallard), Sean McAllister (unattached), Tiernan Kelly (Loughgall), Darragh McBrien (Linfield)

    2025-26 departures so far: Dean Curry (retired), Oliver Crowe (Loughgall - loan), John McGovern (Shamrock Rovers), Grant Hutchinson (unattached), Padraig Lynch (Institute), Tommy Connolly (Ballinamallard United - loan), Aidan Hegarty (Institute - loan)

  3. Glenavon trying to 'build on positives' - Coates published at 17:15 7 August

    Colin Coates and Paddy McLaughlinImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Colin Coates retired last season after taking the position of assistant coach at Glenavon

    Assistant manager Colin Coates says Glenavon are ready to "build on the positives" after some mid-season "firefighting" after changes in the dugout last year.

    The club have made 10 signings with Jordan McMullan, Oran O'Kane, Kris Lowe, Luke Cartwright, Paddy Burns, Stephen Mallon, Harry Murphy and Kyle McClelland have all joined the club.

    Fourteen players have left the club, including 16-year-old forward Chris Atherton's long mooted move to Chelsea.

    "It's been a busy sort of summer," said Coates, who became assistant manager under Paddy McLaughlin last year following Stephen McDonnell's exit.

    "After we came in last November, the first summer transfer window was always going to be busy with us wanting to bring in our own sort of players and maybe move people on whose time had came to an end at Glenavon, naturally more than anything.

    "It's been a good summer and so far, it's been productive in terms of recruitment but also our training and our games that we've had, it's been top drawer."

    After former Cliftonville boss McLaughlin arrived last season, he helped lift the club from just four points off bottom of the table into 10th place, 14 points clear of Carrick Rangers in 11th and 24 points better off than relegated Loughgall.

    "It was certainly firefighting when we first came in and just making sure that we stayed in the league," Coates added.

    "Obviously we've done that and now it's about trying to build on the positives and try and move up the table where we believe Glenavon deserve to be.

    "We have our ideas of how we want to play and, by bringing in the players that we've brought in, we'll be hoping that we can improve on last year's 10th place finish."

  4. Glenavon season previewpublished at 17:14 7 August

    Paddy McLaughlinImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 league position: 10th

    Manager: Paddy McLaughlin

    Opening fixtures: Ballymena United (H) - 9 August; Carrick Rangers (A) - 16 August; Glentoran (A) - 19 August; Coleraine (H) - 23 August; Cliftonville (A) - 30 August

    Having been forced into some mid-season firefighting when he was appointed last November, Paddy McLaughlin hopes to drive Glenavon forward after a first pre-season at the helm.

    It has been a busy summer, too, with eight players signed amidst a raft of departures.

    Squad additions include versatile and experienced Kris Lowe and former Republic of Ireland under-21 international Stephen Mallon, both of whom worked under McLaughlin at Cliftonville. Last week, McLaughlin also added winger Francelo Lomboto from Sligo Rovers.

    First up on Saturday is a home fixture against Ballymena United, who finished one place above the Lurgan Blues last season.

    McLaughlin will be hoping that last weekend's 3-0 pre-season defeat by H&W Welders was only a blip as he plots a fast start to the season.

    2025-26 signings so far: Kris Lowe (Cliftonville), Jordan McMullan (Ballymena United), Oran O'Kane (H&W Welders), Luke Cartwright (Loughgall), Patrick Burns (Coleraine), Stephen Mallon (Sligo Rovers), Harry Murphy (Glentoran), Kyle McClelland, Francely Lomboto (Sligo Rovers), Jacob Carney (Newport County)

    2025-26 departures so far: Mark Haughey (Bangor), Harry Norton (Loughgall), Aaron Prendergast (Loughgall, loan), Rhys Marshall (retired), Callum Birney (unattached), Marc Matthews (Ards), Gareth Deane (Bangor), Aaron Heaney (Derry City - end of loan), David Toure (Ballymena United), Len O'Sullivan (Ross County), Chris Atherton (Chelsea), Stephen Teggart (Armagh City), Harry Lynch (Bangor), Matthew Snoddy (Carrick Rangers)

  5. McAree wants Swifts to push for Europe againpublished at 16:38 7 August

    Rodney McAree after Dungannon's defeat against FC Vaduz at Solitude Image source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Rodney McAree returned to the Swifts in 2023 after stints at Coleraine and Glentoran

    Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree says qualifying for Europe again must be "the challenge" for his side ahead of the new Irish Premiership campaign.

    During an impressive 2024-25 season, the Swifts won the Irish Cup for the first time to qualify for Europe and finished fourth in the league.

    However, they became the second team to exit the Uefa Conference League qualifiers after being defeated 3-1 on aggregate by FC Vaduz despite winning the away leg 1-0.

    Even though that defeat put to an end to the Swifts' first European run in over a decade, McAree is hoping his side "can have another go" soon.

    "If we can show the grit, determination and desire that we have shown in our European games in the league then we will hopefully be all right," McAree told BBC Sport NI.

    "It would be nice to experience this again and that has to be the challenge. If we can win the Irish Cup or be fortunate in the league, then we can have another go at it."

    Despite all focus now going to the league campaign, and Sunday's season-opener against champions Linfield, McAree said his players did "the league proud" during their European adventure.

    "I am disappointed that we are going out, but I am proud of everyone," McAree continued.

    "The boys have done themselves and their families proud and I think we have done the league proud as well.

    "It is disappointing for our league that we don't have three teams going through but it is great to see Larne and Linfield fly the flag and we have given it a good go."

  6. Caddell 'looking to build something new' at Cruespublished at 14:40 7 August

    Crusaders manager Declan CaddellImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Declan Caddell won three Irish Premiership titles as a player with Crusaders

    Declan Caddell has said he has "put his own stamp" on a much-changed Crusaders side for the new Irish Premiership campaign.

    Caddell led the north Belfast side to a sixth-place finish in his first season in charge after taking over from long-serving manager Stephen Baxter.

    The Crues have signed a number of young players from Scotland summer window so far but have lost the likes of Philip Lowry, Daniel Larmour and Billy Joe Burns.

    "Everything has been going well. Obviously, there is a big turnover of players, we were all aware there was going to be a rebuild at the club," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.

    "We are really happy with the players we have brought in. We have a lot of youth about us, lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a lot of quality as well. They're all gelling and settling in well which is a positive for me.

    "This is my second year now and it's always difficult coming into a club. Stephen did such a great job but, ultimately, a lot of them were Stephen's players and obviously times change, and I am looking to build something new and put my own stamp on things."

    Caddell paid tribute to the long-serving players like Lowry and Burns for their contributions to the club but says he is excited to move forward with a younger squad.

    "It's my responsibility to look after the benefit of the club and where it goes moving forward and big decisions had to be made," Caddell continued.

    "We're sorry to lose all those players as they were a big fabric of all the success that the club had, but we had to move on. We now have these younger players coming in and they want to make a name for themselves, and that's something for us all to look forward to."

  7. Crusaders season previewpublished at 14:27 7 August

    Declan CaddellImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 league position: 6th

    Manager: Declan Caddell

    Opening fixtures: Carrick Rangers (H) - 9 August; Larne (A) - 17 August; Bangor (A) - 19 August; Glentoran (H) - 23 August; Portadown (A) - 29 August

    It has been a busy summer at Crusaders, who look to be rebuilding after an inconsistent first season under Declan Caddell.

    As they did last year, the north Belfast side have brought a lot of players in from clubs in Scotland, hoping to unearth the next Kieran Offord, who was a revelation during his six-month spell at the club.

    Of their seven additions, five come from Scottish clubs and it is a bit of a gamble whether they will settle in or fail to get going.

    They have lost some experienced players with the likes of Billy Joe Burns, Daniel Larmour and Philip Lowry departing, but Kurtis Forsythe is a shrewd addition and Finley Thorndike has the potential to shine with regular game time.

    Retaining their pace in the top six and pushing for Europe will be the aim under Caddell this season as well as improving their home form, which was patchy last year.

    2025-26 signings so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick Rangers), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath), Finley Thorndike (Glentoran), Brandon Hamilton (Aberdeen), Musa Dibaga (Inverness), Adam Brooks (Queen of the South), Elliot Dunlop (Airdrie), Fraser Bryden (Ayr United)

    2025-26 departures so far: Jordan Stewart (Glentoran), Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Adam Lecky (all Carrick Rangers), Billy Vance (unattached), Ryan Kerr (unattached), Mal Smith (Dungannon Swifts), Philip Lowry (Limavady United), Alex King (Airdrie), Harry Franklin (Connah's Quay Nomads), Daniel Larmour (Glentoran), Josh O'Connor (East Kilbride)

  8. Coleraine season previewpublished at 13:24 7 August

    Matthew Shevlin and Jamie Glackin celebrateImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 League position: 5th

    Manager: Ruaidhri Higgins

    Opening fixtures: Larne (H) - 10 August; Cliftonville (A) - 16 August; Dungannon Swifts (H) - 19 August; Glenavon (A) - 23 August; Linfield (H) - 29 August (live on BBC iPlayer)

    There is huge excitement and expectation surrounding Coleraine this season, who have signed some big players in this transfer window from rival clubs.

    Last year's Player of the Season Joel Cooper is the obvious one, but they have also added Kodi Lyons-Foster, who was named in the team of the season last year and Will Patching, who impressed at Derry City.

    It will be boss Ruaidhri Higgins' first full season in charge but given the calibre of players brought in he will be tasked with preparing the Bannsiders for a title charge this season that will be spearheaded by Cooper.

    Time will tell whether Higgins can get his new look side to gel quickly enough, but bringing European football back to the Coleraine Showgrounds will surely be the minimum aim.

    They have a tough enough start to the season, with a mouthwatering first game at home to Larne on Sunday and a big game against Linfield later in the month which will be good indicators to see if the Bannsiders are up for the title fight.

    2025-26 signings so far: Kodi Lyons-Foster (Glentoran), Joel Cooper (Linfield), Stephen Fallon (Linfield), Will Patching (Carlisle United - loan), Conor Murray (Hamilton Academical), Lewis McGregor (Airdrieonians), Ryan Schofield (Morecambe), Adam Long (AFC Flyde), Harry Evans (Derby County - loan)

    2025-26 departures so far: Kyle Spence (unattached), Paddy Burns (Glenavon), Kyle McClelland (end of loan), Rory Brown (unattached), Rhyss Campbell (Cliftonville), Corey Smith (Glenavon), Jack Scott (Carrick Rangers), Aidan Tejada (Institute - loan)

  9. European defeat 'fuel' for league season - Magilton published at 14:50 6 August

    Cliftonville manager Jim MagiltonImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Cliftonville finished in seventh position last year but defeated Coleraine in the European play-off

    Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has urged his side to use the disappointment of their European campaign as "motivation" for the new domestic season.

    The Reds became the first Irish Premiership team to bow out of the 2025-26 Uefa Conference League qualifying rounds with a 5-4 aggregate loss to St Joseph's.

    Hugo Jesslen netted the winner for the Gibraltarian side during extra time at Solitude last month.

    "We were all bitterly disappointed," Magilton told BBC Sport NI.

    "Over the course of two games if you go down to 10 men, you don't expect to win and that's the disappointing bit as I felt we had them in our grasp, the second game especially, and it's a huge disappointment that we couldn't go on and finish the game.

    "We were very competitive right to the death, but we couldn't get it over the line and I would like to think we will use that as motivation and fuel for what is coming next."

    It could be a huge season for the Reds, whose club members recently voted to accept a takeover proposal from the Toronto Investment Group.

    The takeover by the Canadian consortium could see the north Belfast club move to a full-time model and lead to their Solitude home receiving a facelift, with Magilton saying that the takeover is currently "in the hands of solicitors".

    "Cliftonville know where we are in the pecking order for getting players. The takeover isn't in place yet, it's in the hand of solicitors," added the former Northern Ireland midfielder.

    "If that were to happen and we were given investment, it gives us a better opportunity to get quality players into the club. We are always very careful with who we bring in because financially we can't compete and that's just a fact and we acknowledge that.

    "We always look to bring in players that are going to fit into the programme and bring that quality."

  10. Cliftonville season previewpublished at 14:48 6 August

    Cliftonville captain Rory HaleImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 league position: 7th

    Manager: Jim Magilton

    Opening fixtures: Bangor (A) - 10 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Coleraine (H) - 16 August; Larne (H) - 19 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Linfield (A) - 23 August; Glenavon (H) - 30 August

    Cliftonville are rebuilding once again after a difficult campaign last season which saw them finish in the bottom half of the table and lose the Irish Cup final.

    The north Belfast side have lost some of their best players with the likes of Shea Kearney and Axel Piesold moving on and so far, they seem unable to adequately replace them ahead of the start of the season.

    Young players Conor Falls and Conor Barr have been brought in and could thrive under Jim Magilton, who has a knack for unearthing young talents, whilst Rhyss Campbell looks to be a good signing from Coleraine.

    They have lost a raft of players and only brought in four, so squad depth could be an issue for the Solitude club this term.

    It was evident in their Uefa Conference League tie against St Joseph's which they lost in extra-time with their bench full of academy players.

    A top-half finish, European football and some deep cup runs will likely be the aim for last year's BetMcLean League Cup winners.

    2025-26 signings so far: Conor Falls (Huddersfield Town), PJ Morrison (Alloa Athletic), Conor Barr (Derry City, loan), Rhyss Campbell (Coleraine), Adebayo Fapetu (unattached), Tom Lavery (Sunderland, loan)

    2025-26 departures so far: Ruaidhri Donnelly (Newington), Declan Breen (Ballymena), Destiny Ojo (unattached), Kris Lowe (Glenavon), Arran Pettifer (Arbroath), Ryan Markey (unattached), Stephen McGuinness (Bangor), Axel Piesold (end of loan, Galway United), David Odumosu (Cork City), Shea Kearney (Dunfermline), Sean Stewart (Sligo Rovers), Reece Jordan (Loughgall, loan)

  11. Carrick Rangers season previewpublished at 11:40 6 August

    Danny GibsonImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 league position: 11th

    Manager: Stephen Baxter

    Opening fixtures: Crusaders (A) - 9 August; Glenavon (H) - 16 August; Linfield (H) - 19 August; Dungannon Swifts (A) - 23 August; Glentoran (A) - 30 August

    The 2024-25 season was a miserable one that many Carrick Rangers fans would like to forget.

    They won the promotion/relegation play-off against Annagh United to retain their top-flight status and end a tumultuous campaign on a high after just seven league wins from 38 games.

    Boss Stephen Baxter, who replaced Stuart King last year, has opted for players he trusts in the transfer window as he looks to steer the club away from another season of fighting relegation.

    The former Crusaders manager has raided his old club for experienced trio Jimmy Callacher, Billy Joe Burns and Adam Lecky.

    He has also brought in Nathan Gartside as his new number one goalkeeper as well as striker Ryan Waide and midfielder Jack Scott, who impressed in spells with Coleraine last season, to help boost a thin squad.

    They will hope Danny Gibson can continue to score goals to push them up the table after he managed 15 in all competitions last season, but they do have a tough set of opening fixtures to contend with.

    2025-26 signings so far: Aidan Steele (Ards), Billy Joe Burns, Adam Lecky, Jimmy Callacher (all Crusaders), Nathan Gartside (Loughgall), Ryan Waide (Loughgall), Jack Scott (Coleraine - loan), Scott Pengelly (unattached), Matthew Snoddy (Glenavon)

    2025-26 departures so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Crusaders), Curtis Allen (retired), David Cushley (retired), Jack Hastings (Larne - end of loan), Jack McIntyre (unattached), Reece Webb (unattached), Shane Forbes (unattached), Ross Glendinning (Loughgall), Albert Watson (Armagh City), Steven Gordon (Ards), Jack O'Reilly (Ballymena United)

  12. Seaview return will be 'strange' for Carrick's Baxterpublished at 11:40 6 August

    Stephen Baxter, Carrick Rangers managerImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Stephen Baxter took over from Stuart King last November

    Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter has said that he is "building something new" as he approaches his first full season in charge.

    Carrick finished 11th last season but a convincing 8-3 aggregate victory over Annagh United in the relegation/promotion play-off secured their Premiership status for the 2025-26 season.

    During his first pre-season with Carrick, Baxter has acknowledged that the club are still searching for another two players before the window closes.

    "We had 12 players who left so it was a total rebuild at my end and we have brought in good players and we are still on the search for maybe another two before the season starts," Baxter told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

    "We're trying to build a brand new system with new coaching staff and players. It might take a bit of time just to blend it all in while people get familiar with each other, but you're hoping that is what the pre-season is all about and they've all been in working hard.

    "I've been very, very pleased with their attitude and their focus. They are all coming in fresh and hungry, and I have to hope that they hit the ground running."

    Carrick's first game of the season is against Baxter's former side Crusaders at Seaview.

    Baxter led Carrick to a 3-0 win over the Crues at Taylors Avenue last season, but Saturday's fixture will be his first visit to the Shore Road as a visiting manager.

    "It is definitely an exciting fixture for everybody," added Baxter, who led Crusaders to three league titles and four Irish Cups during his 19-year stint at the helm.

    "I'm just reasonably glad that we're getting it out of the way very quickly on my return.

    "It is something that I'm actually looking forward to. It is going to be very strange to walk into the away dressing room. I might walk into the wrong dressing room."

  13. Former Wimbledon defender Osew signs for Bangorpublished at 07:25 6 August

    Paul OsewImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Paul Osew impressed during a pre-season trial period at Clandeboye Park

    Bangor have completed the signing of former AFC Wimbledon defender Paul Osew ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against Cliftonville on Sunday.

    The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful trial with the Seasiders in pre-season, making two appearances and scoring the opener in a victory against St James' Swifts.

    Although regarded as a full-back, Osew has featured in midfield and in attack throughout his career which has included 77 appearances for AFC Wimbledon.

    The Wandsworth native moved from the Brentford academy before making the switch to Plough Lane where he spent most of his career.

    He has also enjoyed spells with Northampton Town, Woking and Welling United before arriving at Bangor this summer where he sufficiently impressed manager Lee Feeney to earn a full-time deal with the newly-promoted club.

    Osew becomes the seventh summer arrival at Clandeboye Park following the signings of Gareth Deane, Stephen McGuinness, Mark Haughey, Liam Burns, Ross Ferguson and Harry Lynch.

  14. Bangor 'capable of beating anybody' - Feeneypublished at 16:17 5 August

    Lee FeeneyImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Bangor last played in the top flight in 2009

    Bangor manager Lee Feeney has said his promoted side are not expecting to be "also-rans" in their first season back in the top flight in 15 years.

    It was a successful season last year for the County Down side who finished five points clear at the top of the Championship and reached the semi-finals of the Irish Cup.

    "We believe we can compete with anybody on any given day," Feeney told BBC Sport NI.

    "We know that we're capable of beating anybody. Whether we can do it over 38 games a season, we'll find out.

    "The club have suffered a lot and it wasn't long ago they were in the Ballymena League and some of the players that are still here played in there five years ago - so credit to them, now they have the reward of playing in the Premiership.

    Feeney believes the club's tough road back to the Premiership can serve as motivation in the top flight.

    "These players aren't here to just be also-rans. They are going to come here and try and compete and be the best they can be because they know how hard it's been to get here. They're not going to just throw it away lightly.

    After winning the Premier Intermediate title in 2023 to return to the second tier, former Bangor player Feeney helped the side secure promotion back to the top flight for the first time since 2009.

    However, he has admitted that pre-season hasn't been an easy one, especially in the transfer market.

    "The players have worked really, really hard, but for me, as a manager, it has been frustrating trying to get players in because essentially we're bottom of the food chain when it comes to signing players and the budgets.

    "One thing I've noticed is that any players you're in for, everyone's after them. I'm used to hearing no from the player, but we've made some very decent signings, and I'm delighted with the signings we have made."

    The Seasiders' first game of the season is against Cliftonville on 10 August with Feeney "delighted" that the game will be in front of the BBC cameras.

    "I'm delighted for the club to get this opportunity," he added.

    "I am glad we are at home and we will try to make it difficult for Cliftonville."

  15. Bangor season previewpublished at 16:15 5 August

    Bangor FC

    2024-25 league position: 1st (NIFL Championship)

    Manager: Lee Feeney

    Opening fixtures: Cliftonville (H) - 10 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Glentoran (A) - 16 August; Crusaders (H) - 19 August; Ballymena United (A) - 23 August; Dungannon Swifts (H) - 30 August

    A first season back in the top flight since 2009 awaits Bangor, who have a tough set of early-season fixtures, including Sunday's opener against Cliftonville at Clandeboye Park, which is live on the BBC.

    Manager Lee Feeney, who signed a three-year contract extension in the summer, has moved to add some Irish Premiership experience to his team with the additions of Gareth Deane and Mark Haughey from Glenavon.

    Stephen McGuinness and Harry Lynch are exciting additions as young players attracted to the Seasiders with the promise of more regular game time.

    While retaining many of the key performers from their title-winning season, their squad still looks a bit undercooked for the demands of the top flight, something Feeney will want to address before the window shuts.

    They will hope Championship Player of the Year Ben Arthurs can make the step up to the Irish Premiership after netting 23 goals in the second tier last season.

    His goals will be crucial to Bangor's hopes of staying up, with survival their main aim this campaign.

    2025-26 signings so far: Gareth Deane (Glenavon), Stephen McGuinness (Cliftonville), Ross Ferguson (Larne), Mark Haughey (Glenavon), Harry Lynch (Glenavon), Liam Burns (Linfield), Paul Osew (unattached)

    2025-26 departures so far: Adam Neale (Ballymacash Rangers), Jack Reilly (Ards), James Taylor (Ards), Callum Byres (Victoria Athletic), Ben Fry (Knockbreda), Patrick Solis Grogan (Dungannon Swifts - end of loan)

  16. Ervin targeted 'big personalities' to lift standardspublished at 15:07 5 August

    Jim ErvinImage source, Pacemaker Press

    Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin believes last season was a "reality check" for his side, but believes the Sky Blues have "gelled really well" ahead of the new campaign.

    After finishing ninth last term, it was a busy transfer window on Warden Street with eight players joining the side and 12 leaving the club.

    "They have all gelled really well. We had a training camp two weekends ago and it was all about trying to get the new boys gelled in," Ervin told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

    "Obviously there are a lot of new faces and big personalities and stuff like that. So it's important that you try and get them gelled in as quickly and as early as possible.

    "I think the guys have settled in really well and they're just itching to get going as well."

    Despite last season bringing welcome improvements from the previous campaign when the side finished 11th and had to overcome Institute to retain their Premiership status, Ballymena still struggled with consistency through 2024-25.

    During the final six games, they registered just one victory after going 12 games unbeaten earlier in the season.

    "The biggest disappointment of last season was how we faded off in the split. It was a massive reality check to me and the staff in terms of what we want to do and where we want to go," added Ervin.

    "That's why we've went and recruited certain positions and certain personnel. We are trying to improve not only that position, but also the competition levels.

    "We want everything to be as high a standard as we possibly can and we feel with bringing in certain types of players that we've brought in, they'll hold that standard really high and they'll call people out when they fall below it."

  17. Ballymena Utd season previewpublished at 15:03 5 August

    Ben Kennedy celebrates scoring for BallymenaImage source, Inpho

    2024-25 league position: 9th

    Manager: Jim Ervin

    Opening fixtures: Glenavon (A) - 9 August; Linfield (H) - 15 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Portadown (A) - 19 August; Bangor (H) - 23 August; Larne (A) - 29 August

    Just like last season, it has been a busy summer at the Ballymena Showgrounds with plenty of ins and outs.

    Some of the new arrivals will excite the Sky Blue faithful with the likes of Daire O'Connor, Matthew Clarke and David Toure among the more eye-catching additions who have performed well in the Irish Premiership with different clubs.

    While Ben Kennedy scored 11 goals in 12 games in the early part of last season, when they started to dry up Ballymena lacked a clinical striker to share the burden, a position Ervin will surely be keen to try and strengthen before the window closes.

    The Sky Blues made a bright start to the 2024-25 campaign, briefly topping the table in October after an eight-game winning run in the league, but then their form dipped, and they registered just six more win from 26 games.

    The Braidmen will hope to cut out those inconsistencies this time around with a stronger squad as they push to break into the top six.

    2025-26 signings so far: Ryan McNickle (Newry City), Declan Breen (Cliftonville), Matthew Clarke (Livingston), Jack O'Reilly (Carrick Rangers), Daire O'Connor (Hamilton Academical), David Toure (Glenavon), Joel Thompson (Finn Harps), Ali Gould (Watford)

    2025-26 departures so far: Luke Hawe (Southampton), Johnny McMurray (retired), Sam Johnston (unattached), Caleb Crawford (unattached), Fiontan O'Boyle (Ballyclare Comrades), Shane Flynn (unattached), Jordan McMullan (Glenavon), Duncan Idehen (Derry City, end of loan), Conor Barr (Derry City, end of loan), Ethan Devine (Linfield, end of loan), Joe Moore (Armagh City), Shea McAuley (Coagh United, loan), Lewis Tennant (Dundela, loan), Caolan Loughran (Ards, loan)