Defender's return to Ballymena just 'ticks so many boxes', says boss Oran Kearney
Oran Kearney says Jonny Addis’ return to Ballymena United “ticks so many boxes” after being confirmed as the seventh summer arrival at Warden Street.
Addis is certainly no stranger to the Ballymena Showgrounds after making more than 100 appearances across a three-year stint earlier in his career after making the move from Glentoran.
The defender was an integral part of the side that finished second in the league in his first season on Warden Street in the 2018/19 campaign, as well as making a League Cup final. He also started in the Irish Cup final defeat to Glentoran a year later and lined out against Malmo in the Europa League.
He subsequently then went on to sign for Cliftonville and enjoyed a successful five-year stint in north Belfast that yielded success in the Irish Cup and two League Cup triumphs. A firm fans’ favourite at Solitude, the 33-year-old made 227 appearances for the Reds before leaving upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Speaking to Ballymena United’s club website about his return, Addis said: "When I look back at the player I was when I left five years ago, I feel like I'm a very different player now with what I can contribute on and off the pitch.
"When I made the decision to leave Cliftonville and considered the options on the table, I felt like Ballymena was the right club again."
Ballymena’s recruitment drive has also seen the captures of David Walsh, Scot Whiteside, Micheal Glynn, Charlie Allen, Stephen Fallon and Chris McKee as Oran Kearney begins his first full season in charge at the Sky Blues.
"The career Jonny has had in this league, the respect he has and the leadership qualities he has are valuable,” Kearney said of Addis.
"It was important to me that he'd been here before and knows the identity of this club. He just ticks so many boxes.
"We have good squad depth and quality in Jonny's position and he only adds to it now."