Ballymena United's summer signings, including Chris McKee, could be the key to a Premiership title bid. Manager Oran Kearney has made several key additions to his squad, and fans are optimistic about the team's chances.

What happened?

Four-time Irish League title winner Philip Major has backed Chris McKee to make an impact at Ballymena United following his summer move from Linfield. Major predicts that McKee will score 15 to 20 goals this season if given an extended opportunity in the Sky Blues starting line-up.

Why it matters for Ballymena United

McKee scored 35 goals across 125 Premiership appearances during his time at Windsor Park and netted the winner in last season's BetMcLean Cup final triumph over Glentoran. His arrival provides manager Oran Kearney with further firepower, forming a new strike partnership with Igor Rutkowski, who struck 11 goals in 16 league matches after joining from Armagh City in January.

What comes next?

Kearney will also welcome Ben Kennedy back after a prolonged injury absence. Major believes McKee could prove the difference as the Co Antrim club look to scale the Premiership table. "When I watched Ballymena last season, on paper they looked good, but on the pitch they didn't look good,” said Major. “I thought the players were underwhelming throughout the campaign.

Impact on the team

McKee’s arrival provides manager Oran Kearney with further firepower, forming a new strike partnership with Igor Rutkowski, who struck 11 goals in 16 league matches after joining from Armagh City in January. Kearney has been the busiest Premiership manager in the transfer market this summer with double figures in terms of both arrivals and exits, and former Coleraine chief Dean Shiels has been impressed with his recruitment.

Next fixture

Ballymena United's next fixture is against Dungannon Swifts on December 19, 2026, and they currently sit 7th in the table.

Transfer market activity

Kearney has been the busiest Premiership manager in the transfer market this summer with double figures in terms of both arrivals and exits, and former Coleraine chief Dean Shiels has been impressed with his recruitment. Shiels believes that Kearney has got the ingredients right, but the players need to step up. "When Oran took over from Jim (Ervin), there was possibly 33 players registered,” said Shiels. “If you see the business Oran did in January and the summer, a lot in the early stages was getting players out. That freed up a lot of space.

Conclusion

Ballymena United's summer signings, including Chris McKee, could be the key to a Premiership title bid. Manager Oran Kearney has made several key additions to his squad, and fans are optimistic about the team's chances. With McKee's arrival and Kearney's recruitment, the Co Antrim club is looking to scale the Premiership table and make a push for the title.