Ballymena United confirm signing of versatile defender who was 'touted to be going across the water'
Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin hopes Zach Nolan “can hit the ground running” after the versatile defender became his latest Sky Blues recruit.
The 20-year-old arrives at Ballymena as a free agent following his departure from League of Ireland outfit Bray Wanderers, where he made 39 league appearances.
Nolan has previously been on Ervin’s radar and the Ballymena boss is delighted to add to his ranks with a number of players currently missing due to injury.
“We first came across Zach in January last year,” said Ervin. “We had him in and had a look at him, but it was touted he could be going across the water, but that didn't quite happen.
"With the numbers we are missing and as we try to climb the league table, we need to get quality in like Zach.
"He can play left back, left wing back, left of a back three and gives us more quality and legs in that area of the pitch. I'm excited to get him in, he's tough tackling, willing to get forward with the ball and has a good delivery and hopefully he can hit the ground running.
"He's been playing friendly games recently as part of a Republic of Ireland agency set up, but there's a difference obviously between friendly games and competitive. The good news is he's available straight away, but we'll get a look at him to see where he's at."
Nolan believes he will fit seamlessly into Ballymena’s system and admits he’s been keeping a close eye on the Irish League.
"After coming up here for a training session, the club liked what they saw and I was interested as well,” he said. “The playing style is the way I like to play and from the off, this place just felt right for me.
"I see myself as a fast, attacking defender, but defending always comes first. I've a good engine and like getting up and down the pitch and here I'll have the freedom to do that.
"Hopefully I'm able to add a few assists to clean sheets, but here I think I can show what I've got and learn a lot too.
"It's nice coming in and knowing a few faces and not having to worry so much about settling in. I've been following the club and league for a while and know what the goals are for us this season."