After a long road to recovery from a serious injury, Jordan Williamson viewed his move to Ballymacash Rangers last summer as “my last chance saloon” with retirement certain if he didn’t rediscover his love for the game.

Williamson had played at the highest level in Northern Ireland, featuring in consecutive Irish Cup finals for Ballymena United alongside spells at Crusaders and Portadown, but requiring injections for a persistent back issue had removed the joy from football.

Convinced by Irish League legend Gary Hamilton to join third-tier Ballymacash ahead of last season, Williamson wasn’t sure what the future held – but immediately fell in love with the Lisburn-based club.

Quickly named captain, Williamson led Ballymacash to Steel & Sons Cup glory on Christmas Day, proving to be their penalty shoot-out hero.

placeholder image — Jordan Williamson is mobbed by team-mates after his Ballymacash Rangers heroics in the Steel & Sons Cup final. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

The 30-year-old was recently named both Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Year after keeping 13 clean sheets across all competitions.

Ballymacash will be plying their trade in a newly-formed National Conference Premier Division next term after narrowly missing out on promotion, and while there’ll be interest in Williamson’s services after a stunning season, he’s going to remain at the Bluebell Stadium for as long as they’ll have him.

"Once I met with Gary and Maccers (Paul McAreavey, assistant manager) and they showed me about the place and told me the plans, I was all in,” said Williamson. “It was my last chance saloon because if it didn't work out or I didn't enjoy it, I was retiring.

"I had a bad back injury that basically put me out for two years and it was a long, difficult journey to get back fit.

"Once you sign for Ballymacash and see the people around the club who run it from top to bottom, it’s just one big family and that’s exactly what I needed.

"They welcomed me and my family with open arms – as they do with everyone who signs. It’s a special club, and with the facilities and potential here, the sky is the limit.

"I don't think there’s much thinking to do regarding next season. Once this club gets a hold of you, there’s no turning back really!

"I’ll be here until either my body won't let me play or they want rid of me – which I hope isn’t for a long, long time!”

Hamilton was an eye-catching managerial appointment from Ballymacash with the former Premiership title-winner stepping into the dugout for the first time in almost two years following his Glenavon departure.

The 45-year-old won two Irish Cups during his time in charge of the Lurgan Blues and Williamson admits working with Hamilton – and his wider coaching staff – has helped him rediscover top form.

"Working with Gary has been brilliant,” he added. “He’s straight to the point whether it’s good, bad or ugly – and I need that.

"I’ve had too many false promises over the last two years and the fact that he’s open and honest was a massive tick for me.

"All the coaches are unbelievable, Maccers, Davy Braniff, Chris Loney, Stuarty Gallagher, they are all top coaches and even better people.

"Gary doesn't take much in terms of the goalkeeping side of training but Davy has got me firing on all cylinders and got me back to my best and playing with a smile.”