Ballymena United confirm Jim Ervin exit after boss declares 'it’s the first time this season I've properly questioned my players'

Ervin took on his first senior managerial position at The Showgrounds after being appointed ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Sky Blues narrowly avoided Premiership relegation with a dramatic play-off win over Institute and then finished ninth last term after a stunning start to the season – Ballymena sat top after 12 matches, winning eight on the trot.

Ervin was handed a new three-year full-time contract in April in a show of faith from the Ballymena board, but the former Linfield star has now departed his post with the club sitting eighth.

Ballymena have won just one of their last seven league matches and are set to host Larne in Tuesday’s BetMcLean Cup quarter-final.

Under-20s manager Ciaran Caldwell will take charge of the fixture alongside senior players Patrick McEleney and Sean O’Neill.

“The Board would like to put on record their upmost thanks to Jim and his staff for their efforts and support during his two and a half years at the Showgrounds,” the club said in a statement. “Jim will always be remembered as a legendary player for the club, and as manager for successfully guiding Ballymena United through one of the most challenging periods of our recent history.

“The club will now commence the recruitment process for the next first team manager.”

Ballymena’s defeat to Glenavon, who had won just two of 17 matches prior to the weekend, was Ervin’s final act and he was scathing in his criticism of their performance.

"The goals we're given away are criminal, we are not going to win games of football with the goals we are giving away, and players aren't learning, it's as simple as that," Ervin told BBC Sport NI. "It's the first time this season I've properly questioned my players.

"We were looking players to stand up and be counted and they haven't."

Oran Kearney and Paddy McLaughlin will likely be amongst the main contenders to fill Ballymena’s vacancy.