Irish League star named as new coach at club 'building something different'

Carson started his playing career with Ipswich Town, scoring five goals in 31 Championship appearances for the Tractor Boys, and earned his senior international debut while at Portman Road.

The 33-year-old has played four times for his country and also enjoyed spells at York City, Linfield, Coleraine, Ballymena United and Portadown.

Carson won a Premiership title with the Blues and celebrated both Irish Cup and League Cup glory at Coleraine.

He was most recently on the books of the Ports, making 13 Premiership appearances after joining from Ballymena in January, but the Shamrock Park club confirmed his exit earlier this month, saying “it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties for Josh to explore new opportunities moving forward”.

A Ballymena native, Carson is now set to join the coaching staff at Ballee, an amateur club who play in the Ballymena & Provincial League – they won the Junior Division Three title in their first season after being formed in 2024/25.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Ballee FC for giving me this opportunity,” said Carson on the club’s social media. “Coaching is the next challenge for me and I'm excited to get started with a group that's hungry to improve and achieve something special.

“I've always believed success comes from hard work, commitment and creating the right environment.

"From everything I've seen already, this club is building something different. Expectations are high, and they should be. We're going all in this season.

“If you're still undecided about where you're playing your football this year, come and see what we're building. I genuinely believe Ballee will offer something that no other local club can match.

"Be part of it. Join the journey. Don't stand on the sidelines watching, get involved."