Ballymena United manager appointment expected in coming days with 'talented group' ready to climb Irish League table
Ballymena United interim manager Ciaran Caldwell believes Saturday’s 2-1 Premiership defeat to Dungannon Swifts will be his final match in charge – and feels the Sky Blues vacancy presents a major opportunity for their incoming boss.
Cahal McGinty scored at both ends – putting Dungannon ahead before converting past his own goalkeeper Declan Dunne.
Adam Glenny’s spectacular second half volley proved the difference at The Showgrounds as Dungannon moved into fifth spot.
Here’s what Caldwell had to say after the match:
THOUGHTS ON THAT OVERALL?
"I thought the game was in the balance. I think if both teams leave with a draw, I don't think anyone can argue.
"The first 10-15 minutes, I felt we struggled to get to grips with them, then we get back into the game.
"The second half, I thought we were probably the team in the ascendancy – a lot of the play was in Dungannon's half without creating too many clear-cut chances.
"Sometimes you just have to tip your hat and go, you know, it's a wonder strike and there's nothing you can do.
"I don't remember Dungannon's clear-cut chances. We didn't create too many either and then fair play to the lad, it’s a wonderful goal.”
DISAPPOINTING FIRST COMES FROM NOT CLEARING A SET-PIECE?
"The boys in there know the importance of defending set-pieces.
"We switched off for a minute and at this level, you get punished. But again, I'll try and focus on the positives in the group.
"It was a difficult week for the lads. They've shown great character to get themselves back into the game and their effort, commitment, you can't fault it…sometimes that's all fans want to see.”
GOOD REACTION TO EQUALISE?
"Yeah, Success (Edogun), that's what he does for the team, albeit it's an own goal, but he allows us to get up the pitch.
"As a team, we know we need to probably commit more players and probably take a bit of a burden and the onus off him – he's carrying a bit of a heavy load at the minute in terms of he's probably scored the majority of our goals in the last load of games.
"So it's something that we can work on and we can be better in sort of attacking patterns. But off the ball, great commitment and effort.
"There's plenty of positives and there's a positive changing room. There's plenty there to work with.”
FEEL NEW MANAGER HAS TALENTED SQUAD TO WORK WITH?
"Any manager from the outside looking in at the panel of players that Ballymena have, why wouldn't you (want the job)?
"You would absolutely jump at the opportunity to come in and manage such a talented group.
"I think the key thing for me is, you can go into dressing rooms and sometimes it's not a nice place to be – I've been around long enough in football – but all those lads are pulling in the one direction.
"When it turns for them, and I have no doubt that it will in terms of league form, they'll start to climb the table.”
ANY UPDATES ON NEW MANAGER?
"I can't comment on that.
"Obviously, you hear whispers, you hear murmurs. I would imagine that I won't be in charge against Portadown (next Saturday).
"The most important thing is that the new man comes in and next week we manage to get three points down there.”