David Jeffrey’s return to the dugout at Portadown next season will see him joined by one of his former players in his backroom staff.

The Ports have confirmed that Jim Ervin has joined the club as a first-team coach as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign.

Ervin is certainly no stranger to Irish League football – or Jeffrey for that matter – as he won a host of major honours during a playing career that included spells with Linfield, Ballymena and Carrick Rangers.

His decade with Linfield saw the former defender collect no fewer than 14 winners’ medals including six league titles and four Irish Cups and was part of the historic ‘clean sweep’ Linfield side in 2004/05 under Jeffrey’s management.

placeholder image — Jim Ervin has been appointed as first-team coach at Portadown

After leaving Windsor Park, Ervin would also captain Ballymena United to County Antrim Shield and League Cup victories before retiring to take the reins at the Ballymena Showgrounds in 2023.

Ervin’s tenure as Sky Blues boss came to an end at the tail end of last year, where he was replaced by Oran Kearney.

However, he has now been lured back into the game this time as a coach rather than a first-team manager – much to Jeffrey’s satisfaction.

"I’m delighted Jim has agreed to join us at Portadown, a man with great character and integrity who both David Douglas and myself wanted working alongside us as we begin building the staff around us here at Shamrock Park,” he said.

“I obviously managed Jim as a player at both Linfield and Ballymena United where we had an outstanding working relationship, so much so that I made him my captain at the Showgrounds.

“Jim has played at the top level of Irish League football for the best part of 20 years and is currently completing his pro licence. He is someone who knows the demands and what is expected and displays the same level of hunger and professionalism off the pitch as he did on it – so much so that he has penned a deal in length that mirrors both David and myself which shows me just how much he’s committed to this club and helping us move forward.”

Speaking about the move, Ervin added: “I’m delighted and feel privileged to be asked by David to become his first team coach.

It all happened very quickly after first speaking to him on the phone and then meeting in person. I know David very well and I am looking forward to working alongside him at Shamrock Park."

Whilst Jeffrey is still waiting to land his first signing as Portadown boss, he has been working hard behind the scenes in terms of squad restructuring.

There have been four departures from the squad as Shay McCartan, Jordan Gibson, Ben Quinn and Josh Ukek have departed following the expiry of their contracts, whilst Steven McCullough has been placed on the transfer list at his own request.

Meanwhile, Aaron Traynor, Jack Scott, Rabby Tabu Minzamba, Gary Thompson, Aaron McCarey and Luke Chapman have all signed new contracts to remain at Shamrock Park.