Ballymena United's big-spending rivals are setting the tone for the season, with Linfield boss David Healy admitting the landscape has changed in the transfer market. The Blues finished a disappointing fourth last season and will face off against Ballymena United at Windsor Park on Saturday.
What happened?
Linfield manager David Healy is aware of the limits of the club's financial sway in the transfer market, but he will not be using those limitations as an excuse as he seeks to see improvements in his team's performance in this season's Irish Premiership. The Blues have been out-bid by their rivals in recent years, with the likes of United, Coleraine and Glentoran opening their chequebooks at will.
Why it matters for Ballymena United
The landscape has changed, with Linfield no longer able to cherry-pick the best players from the majority of clubs. Healy has watched as the likes of United, Coleraine and Glentoran have paid huge amounts of money that filters down and inflates the market. However, he is not looking for sympathy, and is instead focusing on building a strong team for the season.
What comes next?
Ballymena United will face off against Linfield at Windsor Park on Saturday, with Healy looking forward to the challenge. He has a strong relationship with Ballymena boss Oran Kearney, and is an admirer of what he has achieved in the sport. The two teams will go head-to-head in a highly anticipated match, with the winner taking all.
Next fixture: vs Dungannon Swifts (away, 2026-12-19) (7th in the table).
