Ballymena United return 'was an easy decision' for defender after Linfield exit

Whiteside spent six years at The Showgrounds during his previous stint after being signed by David Jeffrey from Derry City, making 134 appearances across all competitions.

He started in the 2023/24 Irish Cup final as Ballymena were defeated 4-0 by Crusaders at Windsor Park and then helped the Co Antrim club preserve their Premiership status the following season with a promotion/relegation play-off victory over Institute.

The 29-year-old earned a move to Linfield in 2024 and played 25 times as David Healy's side strolled to Premiership title glory, ultimately finishing 22 points clear at the summit.

Whiteside was limited to just four league appearances last term and now returns to Ballymena, who have also signed Chris McKee and Micheal Glynn ahead of next season.

"Once I heard the plans here on and off the pitch, it was an easy decision,” Whiteside told the club’s website. “This is such a family-oriented club and I'm so excited to get back.

"There's a real freshness about the place this time round and hopefully with the experience I've gained at Linfield, I can offer so much more."

Kearney briefly worked with Whiteside during a short loan move to Coleraine from Derry City in 2017 and revealed the defender came highly-recommended by Blues boss Healy.

"Ballymena United was very good for Scot in his first time here, as he was for the club and he's at a good age now where he wants to be racking up appearances and this is a great opportunity to write his second chapter here,” said Kearney. "I'm very big on creating a local identity for this club and Scot's been about this area for a long time and knows what it's about.

"David Healy spoke very highly of him and how he conducted himself at Linfield, but now is a good time to have him back here."