Ballymena United v Crusaders

Words Bill Wray (Sky Blue Review)

BACKROOM STAFF

Tommy McDonald First Team Coach

Darren Fox Goalkeeping Coach

David Douglas Performance Analyst

Bryan McLoughlin Head of Player Recruitment

Nathan McConnell First Team Coach

Formerly assistant manager to David Jeffrey at United, Bryan took over his current role at the end of last season. Highly experienced in the Irish League, Bryan’s knowledge and tactical ability combined with his player recruitment skills make him an invaluable member of the backroom team at the Showgrounds.

Former Ards and Linfield man Tommy joined United and coached the U20s before stepping up this season to the first team. Has a wealth of experience in the Irish League. Tommy was in the Larne squad which lost to Ballymena United the last time the Sky Blues won the trophy in 1989 so hopefully he can help the Braidmen to another victory this time.

Darren has been at United in his capacity as goalkeeping coach for four seasons and in that time has developed a professional and competitive set-up among all the keepers at the club. He has vast experience in this role and works tirelessly to maintain the highest goalkeeping standards. Darren recently gained his UEFA B Coaching Licence.

Ballymena man Davy has now carried out this role for 12 seasons and in that time he has revolutionised and developed the way in which monitoring and analysis can be applied to player performance. As an essential member of the coaching staff, Davy meticulously monitors all aspects of each player’s performance as well as analysing and preparing reports on opposition teams.

Nathan was part of the coaching staff in last year’s final and he will obviously be eager to help the team go one better this time. Important and respected member of David Jeffrey’s staff and was promoted from manager of the U20 side to his present position. Former United player who played for two seasons who has been at the club for four seasons

at the Showgrounds before returning in a coaching role.

Gary Crosbie Physiotherapist

Rebekah Jones Physiotherapist

Bertnel Thompson Team Attendant

Mark Craig Team Attendant

Dean Campbell Videographer

Another vital member of the manager’s staff, Gary brings vast knowledge and experience to treating sports injuries. Undoubtedly one of the busiest people in any team, the physio is always in big demand and Gary carries out his role with expertise and good nature at all times. In his sixth season at Ballymena United.

Rebekah has been with the club for three years now, helping with pre-match strappings and rubs. She also assists with pitchside first aid and medical assessment to determine if a player is fit to play. Rebekah works closely with Gary Crosbie both on training nights and on matchdays and also with the U20, U18 and U16 sides.

The quiet man who works tirelessly to make sure everything is just right and kit requirements are sorted for players and staff. Bertnel has been with the club in this role for 27 years and is a well-known and popular figure in the Irish League. Could quite rightly be called Mr Ballymena United for his undoubted dedication to the job and the club.

Mark works closely with Bertnel Thompson to look after all the pre-match and training needs of the team including vital member of the backroom team who always carries out his role with dedication and attention to detail. kit management. Unassuming but

Ballymena lad Dean is a lifelong Sky Blues supporter who has been in his role for several seasons. He is responsible for videoing home and away matches and providing analysis for the coaching staff. Dean also assists with preparing the kit on matchdays.

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