Ballymena United legend believes Oran Kearney can get best out of talented squad
Ballymena United legend Allan Jenkins believes new manager Oran Kearney has the tools at his disposal to thrive at the Sky Blues.
Kearney, who made 121 appearances as a Ballymena player, succeeded Jenkins’ good friend and old team-mate Jim Ervin earlier this month.
The 47-year-old has been tasked with masterminding the Co Antrim club’s charge up the Premiership table, taking over with Ballymena sitting ninth at the halfway stage of the season.
Ervin oversaw a number of impressive transfer windows, signing the likes of Ben Kennedy, Patrick McEleney and Daire O’Connor - and Jenkins hopes Kearney can get the best out of a talented squad.
"I'm sure he will do well,” said Jenkins ahead of Kearney’s second game as Ballymena boss this weekend - and first at home – as Carrick Rangers make The Showgrounds trip. “It's really unfortunate when you look at the quality of player Ballymena has brought in, but also the quality sitting injured on the sidelines.
"They weren't able to capitalise on that good start they had.
"I'm sure Oran will come in, steady the ship and bring his own ideas and experiences to the table.
"There's no reason with the squad at his disposal that he can't be successful and get Ballymena turned around and up the table.
"Results don't lie and for one reason or another they haven't gone Ballymena's way this season, which I'm sure will change in time.
"It's up to the players to produce performances and get Ballymena higher up the table where they should be, in my opinion.
"Sometimes a change brings about positive reaction and the players will be looking to impress the new manager.
"Hopefully that will lead to a positive change in results."
Kearney spent 11 years in charge of Coleraine across two different spells before moving into a sporting director role following their transition to full-time football – he departed that position in May.
The former Linfield star enjoyed tremendous success, winning both the Irish Cup and League Cup during his time with the Bannsiders alongside recording three second-placed Premiership finishes.
Having stood in the opposition dugout for a host of Boxing Day derbies, Kearney will now be representing Ballymena in what is his first meeting against Coleraine since leaving the Bannsiders.
After scoring in Ballymena wins over Coleraine in 2013 and 2014, Jenkins knows how important the fixture is and believes there’s something extra at play this year with Kearney’s appointment.
"Oran has played for Ballymena and been a very successful Coleraine manager,” he added. “Unfortunately it didn't work out in terms of results for Jim, which I was disappointed about because he's a close friend.
"Oran is a safe pair of hands, knows the league, is vastly experienced in the Irish League and also had a spell in Scotland at St Mirren.
"I know the first result didn't go his way (1-0 loss at Shamrock Park against Portadown in the Sports Direct Premiership), but he will be keen to put it right."