Fresh faces and fresh deals all part of Ballymena United preparations

United have added youth and experience with confirmation of a double swoop to bring in Linfield teenager Trai Hume on loan and established full-back Ross Redman.

Jim Ervin, Tony Kane, James Knowles and Joshua Kelly have each put pen to paper on fresh terms.

“Firstly, we want to thank David Healy and Linfield in coming to an agreement for Trai to join us on a one-year loan,” said Jeffrey on the club’s official website. “He felt that at this point in his career he wanted to be getting senior game time and there may be more opportunity for that here given the size of the squad at Linfield.

“His attitude is exemplary and his ability actually leads people to still wonder where exactly is his best position, because he’s equally adept in the centre at the back, on the right, in the middle of the park, but what we do know is that we’ve signed an excellent young footballer who is certainly not a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none...it’s clear to see the ability and class.

“It’s also lovely that we have a local lad, albeit on loan, out representing Ballymena United and his attitude in wanting to join his home town is absolutely first class.

“Ross brings a wealth of experience to the team but is still only 30.

“He is a player who has very much had an outstanding career at Portadown and Glentoran.

“His availability to commit to full-time training at Glentoran wasn’t possible due to his work and so he spent last season on loan at Dungannon.

“He came up and trained this pre-season and what has been most pleasing is his performance in training, his fitness levels and that he very much wanted to come here.

“Most telling was that he talked about still having a point to prove, and so we’re delighted to give him that chance here.”

Jeffrey was full of praise for the continued commitment by the experienced captain Ervin and Kane.

“I maintain consistently that the skipper has played better football the older that he has got - his leadership, professionalism, enthusiasm, diligence to all that he does has been fabulous.

“He was one that had a tough year due to injury last season but has come back fitter and stronger in pre-season.

“Anthony is your typical professional clubman - totally committed in everything that he does and covers us in a number of positions on the pitch.

“I’m told this is his 10th year at the club, which is testament to his commitment.

“To serve any club for 10 years in this modern day is almost freakish.

“James has had a tough couple of years since joining us...however, we know the ability and talent that is there and we felt James has pushed himself to show that he wanted that opportunity to let people see the best of him and we’re delighted to have him stay here.

“His (Kelly) performances spoke for themselves throughout the year, people could see how he grew and became such a mature young man.

“We felt it was the correct and proper thing to offer him his first professional contract, which clearly costs us some money in compensation but we believe that Josh is an outstanding talent and this is a long-term investment of us in him, and indeed of him in us.

“He is the type of young player with endless energy and ability, wants to learn more and loves being a Ballymena United player.”

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