On the eve of a crucial Ulster derby game in Division 1B of the All Ireland League, Ballymena have released their head coach, John Andrews from his contract.
The Eaton Park club prop up the table and are in serious danger of being relegated this season.
Andrews has been in that situation before, but turned things around the following season to bring them straight back up from Division Two.
He has also won back to back Ulster Senior Cups with the club and took them to last season’s All Ireland Senior Cup final, losing to Garryowen.
Last season Ballymena enjoyed a good run in Division 1B, but fell away at the end of the season.
There was a massive exodus from the club over the summer, which saw all the hard work in rebuilding the side Andrews had started - basically leaving him and the club to start all over again.
A poor run of results this season led the club to make the decision to release Andrews from his contract as their head coach.
A Club spokesman said the club thanked John for all his hard work in the past, often under very difficult conditions.
Assistant Coach Andrew Graham, also a former player of long standing at Eaton Park, will take charge of team affairs for the rest of the season.
Graham’s first job will be to get the team up for a game against table topping Ballynahinch in a big Ulster derby at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday.
Hinch lost their unbeaten record at home last week to UCD but still have a four point lead over Dublin University at the top of the table.
Ballymena slumped to a ninth defeat of the campaign as they went down 42-5 at Eaton Park last welcome.
Hinch are boosted by the return of out half Harry McAleese from a hand injury which allows James Thomspon to return to his natural position in midfield.
Adam Craig starts at full back with Aaron Ferris and Michael Lawton on the wings, Stuart Morrow at centre and Blane McIlroy complete the backline.
In the pack Neil Faloon is at blindside flanker, David McGuigan is on the openside with Michael Graham at No8.
James Simpson and Chris Napier form the second row partnership with Chris Stevenson, Gavin Armstrong and Kyle McCall in the front row.
Ballymena are five points behind Dungannon in 14th and need to start winning if they are to avoid the drop.
Ian Vance starts at scrum half, in the pack Aide Kirkpatrick will start in the front row if Andrew Warwick isn’t released by Ulster while James Taggart hooks.
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