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.

Former Cliftonville and Glentoran midfielder Caldwell stepped up from his U20s position to take temporary control following Jim Ervin’s exit last weekend.

He achieved immediate success, leading Ballymena to a 2-0 BetMcLean Cup quarter-final victory over high-flying Larne, but watched on as his side were narrowly beaten by the Swifts courtesy of a stunning Adam Glenny volley.

Ballymena’s search for Ervin’s permanent successor has ramped up with former Coleraine manager Oran Kearney believed to be in pole position while Paddy McLaughlin is also amongst the contenders.

placeholder image — Ballymena United's Stephen O'Donnell clears the danger during their defeat to Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by Pacemaker)

It’s almost certain the Co Antrim club will have announced an appointment prior to Saturday’s league trip to Portadown and Caldwell feels the new manager will have tools at his disposal to climb the Premiership table.

"Any manager from the outside looking in at the panel of players that Ballymena have, why wouldn't you (want the job)?" he said. "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.

"I can't comment on (who new manager will be). 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.”

Ballymena fell behind after only eight minutes when Cahal McGinty struck from close range, but it was also the Dungannon defender who gave the hosts their equaliser, converting Success Edogun’s cross past his own goalkeeper Declan Dunne.

In testing conditions, it was likely going to take something special for either side to claim maximum points, and Glenny produced it – smashing home a volley from 25 yards to help Dungannon leapfrog Cliftonville into fifth.

"I thought the game was in the balance,” added Caldwell. “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.

"The boys in there know the importance of defending set-pieces.

"We switched off for a minute (for the first goal) 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.”