'The main one it comes down to is finances': Former Irish League managers on difficulty of January transfer window

The mid-season market provides challenges for teams across the country as they aim to seal a league title, boost European hopes or survive.

During his time at Ballymena United, Ervin enjoyed success in the January transfer market, signing both Kian Corbally and Patrick McEleney 12 months ago while Donal Rocks and Calvin McCurry arrived the previous year.

Ervin revealed planning for January begins in the early stages of the new season and admits the final decision made by players when it comes to their next destination often revolves around finances.

"January is always difficult because you’ve done all the business you can in the summer window,” Ervin said on BBC Sportsound. “Then as the season is starting, you start looking at different options you could potentially need down the line.

"When it comes to January, you don’t want to get caught up in panic buying, but when you start seeing movement and you’re being patient with the ones you’re speaking to...players could be speaking to six or seven clubs and you’re wondering if you’ll be lucky enough to be the club they choose.

"You also have to have a fall-back option where if you don’t manage to get your number one target over the line, who do you go for next? Who are they speaking to in the meantime and what’s it going to take to get them to the club?

"Any time we were speaking to a player, we never mentioned money until we sat down with them and listened to what they had to say because we wanted players who wanted to be at the club.

"You’re competing against the big boys...can you convince players to come to you over full-time clubs where they could be a bit-part player? That comes down to mentality of the player.

"The main one it comes down to is finances. Players want paid good money and if they go to a full-time club they know they’re going to get it.”

In his one January window at Glenavon, McLaughlin was tasked with identifying players who could help pull the club clear of potential relegation threat, signing Sean Carlin, who has impressed at Mourneview Park, and Harry Murphy on loan from Glentoran.

McLaughlin believes the challenges presented by recruitment depend on financial resources, pointing to an example of Coleraine moving to sign three new players this month.

"It’s very difficult for sides who don’t have a big financial backer to attract players in January,” he said. “You’re doing one of two things in January – you’re signing players to help you into Europe or win a title, or signing players to help you survive.

"Players know this and inflate their wages because they know you’re desperate to get them in. It’s a really difficult market, a difficult time of year, and you’re mid-season so you have to speak to clubs and negotiate a fee or player going the other way.

"If you’re fortunate enough to have a big backer, it’s not a problem. You see Coleraine have dipped into the market with two or three big signings, if you’re in that position it’s easier.

"But if you’re not fortunate to have a big backer it’s a really difficult time.”