David Jeffrey: There were a number of times I maybe asked myself why did I come back to put myself through this again

One of the game’s iconic figures had been there, done it and bought the tee-shirt twice over during a hugely successful spell in charge of Linfield winning a remarkable 31 trophies along the way.

His 17-year tenure in charge of the Blues came to a close at the end of the 2013-14 season to the surprise of many.

After nearly two years out of the game Jeffrey took over the reins at Ballymena United, bringing more success and clearly enjoying himself along the way.

But in the build-up to tonight’s Irish Cup final Jeffrey revealed he was left questioning his decision to get back involved in the game again because of the Sky Blues’ troubles this season.

“Last season was horrible and there were a number of times I maybe asked myself ‘why did I come back to put myself through this again?’,” he admitted.

“Because compared to the first three years, it was a challenge, so after we won the penalty shootout I was just so thankful and proud of the players.

“It was reward for five weeks of knocking our absolute pans in, following new protocols, having to adapt and do things in a different way.

“Every player and member of staff, the feeling was one of simple satisfaction that all of the hard work, planning and preparation had finally come together.

“People maybe also aren’t aware that we couldn’t make our final preparations until Sunday night because of the suspension situation.

“While Cliftonville’s decision came out around 2pm, I think it was around 6pm that it was confirmed Steven McCullough was free to play and also myself.

“When you think of all the emotion around that, it was very special and you do think ‘this is the reason why I’m back in management’.

“Because there are good folk in football and good people and if you work hard and prepare well, there are occasions when things come right for you.

“I could see the joy and happiness of other people at Ballymena and I was proud to have played a part in bringing that happiness and joy to the club.

“I’ve said to the players, it’s not about looking back and redemption. Everyone seems to talk about ‘redemption’, but you haven’t heard me talk about that.

“To me, you’ve got to be very objective and honest, so it was a horrible league season, but the league is finished and this is a new opportunity.

“Despite all of the previous difficulties, we’ve got ourselves to an Irish Cup final and I think that has given the Ballymena community a lift.

“The folk of Ballymena can be assured that we’ll go to Windsor Park on Friday night and give of our very best.”

During his four-year spell with United Jeffrey has won the League Cup, been runner-up twice as well as runner-up in the League, and they have won a round in Europe.

The Irish Cup is a competition though that they all crave success in as you have to go all the way back to 1989 for the Sky Blues’ last success when Paul Hardy’s goal sealed victory over Larne.

“It has been a long time and the Ballymena wait for an Irish Cup is almost as long as Cliftonville’s long wait for the trophy (41 years),” said Jeffrey.

“I listened to Tim McCann on TV and it was interesting to hear him say it almost became a bit of a burden at Cliftonville.

“I know it is 31 years, but I just see this as a new opportunity and it’s not about looking back. It’s about looking forward and giving of our best.

“We will go into this game as underdogs and Glentoran will be favourites - end of story.

“And so they should with the investment they have made. All I’m asking of my players is to go and give of their best.

“We are living in unprecedented times, so you keep your approach simple.

“Thankfully we’ve been back in five weeks, there’s been a good structure and focus and now we move onto the final. The players know what they should be doing.

“They also had to switch off because you don’t want them coming to Windsor Park burned out. Hopefully the experience of the semi-final will also hold us in good stead.

“We have done things differently and not always by plan, more by necessity, in terms of coaching and our sessions. Not massive changes, but we have been more reflective.

“For example, when I thought I wasn’t going to be on the touchline, I had to think ‘how can I best contribute?’ That was about handing over responsibility.

“As a manager you do that anyway and it’s up to the players when you cross the white line, there’s not very much you can do other than help with game management and substitutions.

“There were a number of subtle changes which were positive, so while it was difficult, there have been positives that have come out from having to work in a different way.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor