Ballymena United has been as prolific in the transfer market as any team in the league, with manager Oran Kearney arriving midway through last season. Kearney's appointment succeeded in rescuing them from relegation, something which seemed unthinkable when they won their first four Premiership matches without conceding a goal. However, the wheels came off and Jim Ervin departed the club. Kearney has been busy on and off the field. Chris McKee was a high-profile arrival from Linfield while John Gregg, former Portstewart and Institute manager and Coleraine coach, has been added to the management team. A raft of new signings will heighten expectations and a top half finish has to be the aim. Next fixture: vs Dungannon Swifts (away, 2026-12-19) (7th in the table).