Ballymena United legend feels Jim Ervin 'should have been given more time' after 'knee-jerk' exit call

Around eight months after being handed a three-year full-time contract at The Showgrounds, Ervin was relieved of his Ballymena duties with the Co Antrim club sitting eighth in Northern Ireland’s top-flight.

Former Linfield star Ervin was appointed ahead of the 2023/24 campaign with Ballymena narrowly avoiding relegation through a dramatic play-off win over Institute before finishing in ninth last term – they briefly sat top after winning eight consecutive games between August and October.

According to Irish League statistician Marshall Gillespie, Ervin won 39 and lost 62 of his 112 matches in charge across all competitions with his final act coming in a 3-1 weekend defeat at Mourneview Park.

Kane played alongside Ervin when Ballymena last lifted silverware in 2017 while only eight players have made more club appearances than his 358.

"I think it was a bit premature for Ballymena to make that decision on Sunday after the Glenavon match,” he said. “It's only the start of December and they're not far off the top-six, so I think it was a bit premature from them.

"From eighth to sixth it's four points, a couple of wins and you're then back up there competing for the top-six when it comes to the split.

"I'm sad for Jim because he's a really good friend of mine. It's always sad when a manager loses their job, but when you know them personally you really feel for them.

"Jim steadied the ship and has had some really good times there. They went eight unbeaten and were top of the league for a time. Results were a bit inconsistent but regarding this season, I honestly think they should have given him a bit more time.

"There's new players coming in and it'll be the same in January, he could have kicked on. The Irish Cup hasn't even started yet and that's another pathway into Europe.

"I just think it was a knee-jerk reaction after a couple of results, losing to Glenavon, but Jim definitely should have been given more time because he's a great manager, knows the league and he's very well respected.

"That is clear from the calibre of player he was able to attract to Ballymena. For Ballymena, Jim was a big attraction for players and if he wasn't there then maybe some of the players wouldn't have come."

Having shared a changing room with Ervin for more than seven years at Ballymena, Kane has no doubt he’ll come back stronger after learning lessons from his first managerial job.

"I know he will,” he added. “Jim is a fighter and the way he played is probably the way he manages - he won't leave a stone unturned.

"I'm sure he will take a break now and not rush into anything. He will probably wait for the right job to come along.

"Whoever gets Jim, he's going to be really beneficial to their club. When Jim was playing, he was like a manager on the pitch. I'm hoping he takes a break and can get back into it in the New Year."