Oran Kearney 'very excited' over Ballymena challenge as interim boss 'loved the experience'
Oran Kearney is back at Ballymena – with the former player marking his confirmation as boss by sending a clear message to squad and supporters.
Kearney – who enjoyed success as manager of Ballymena’s derby rivals Coleraine – takes over a Premiership club sitting ninth in the top-flight standings and four points clear of the relegation zone.
He used his first press conference to remind those in the changing room “it's up to players to impress in training to get into the team" – plus “urge the fans to get behind me and the players and push us on”.
“I'm very excited, it's been a whirlwind week,” said Kearney on the official Ballymena United club website. “There's a real urgency to want to do well and a desire for success.
"It'll be a challenge but I think this club has the infrastructure, the fan base and a lot of good things going for it.
“We will look to develop a relationship with the players and try and put my stamp on things as soon as possible.
"Everybody starts on a clean slate, it's up to players to impress in training to get into the team and move us forward.
“I had an enjoyable time here as a player and in recent days a lot of those emotions have come back from my time playing here.
"I urge the fans to get behind me and the players and push us on for this second half of the season.”
The 47-year-old has past managerial experience with Limavady United, plus St Mirren in Scotland.
He made 121 appearances for Ballymena between 2002 and 2005.
Also on board at Ballymena as part of the backroom team will be Barry Johnston (assistant manager) and Michael Doherty (goalkeeping coach)
Kearney’s first game in charge as a permanent replacement for Jim Ervin will be a trip to Shamrock Park on Saturday against Portadown.
Ballymena interim boss Ciaran Caldwell delivered a farewell message over social media in the aftermath of Kearney’s annoucement.
Caldwell stepped up from his role as under 20s boss and steered the club to BetMcLean Cup quarter-final success over Larne before Saturday’s loss in the league against Dungannon Swifts.
Caldwell posted across social media: “Enjoyable week. Loved the experience & the highs & lows that come with it. Incredible bunch of players & staff that was in place. European football in the League Cup is alive. No doubt wetted my appetite to go on and pursue a career at the top level of the game. Thank you.”
Caldwell, a former Irish League player, told the News Letter after Saturday’s match: "Any manager from the outside looking in at the panel of players that Ballymena have, why wouldn't you (want the job)?
"You would absolutely jump at the opportunity to come in and manage such a talented group.
"I think the key thing for me is, you can go into dressing rooms and sometimes it's not a nice place to be – I've been around long enough in football – but all those lads are pulling in the one direction.
"When it turns for them, and I have no doubt that it will in terms of league form, they'll start to climb the table.”