Irish Cup Final 2022

Words Bill Wray (Sky Blue Review)

BACKROOM STAFF

Bryan McLoughlin Assistant Manager

Nathan McConnell Assistant Manager

Darren Fox Goalkeeping Coach

Brian Patterson OBE Team Doctor

Bryan has had a long association and coaching partnership with David Jeffrey. When David was assistant manager at Larne in the 1990s he asked Bryan to be reserve teammanager. They then moved on to Linfield where they had a very successful time. When DJ took over at Ballymena United his first ‘signing’ was Bryan as assistant manager. Bryan’s knowledge and experience of the Irish League are vital ingredients of the management team.

Former United striker Nathan returned to the club two years ago when he was appointed coach to the Under-20 side. At the end of last season the club coaching infrastructure was reviewed with Nathan joining the first team staff. Nathan has extensive experience of the Irish League having also played for Lisburn Distillery, Cliftonville and Carrick Rangers. Highly rated coach and an integral part of the coaching staff.

Darren is now in his third season at United, having taken over from previous goalkeeping coach Alan Simpson. A former Linfield youth and Dundela keeper, Darren was previously goalkeeping coach with Dundela and then Ards before joining the Sky Blues. Tasked with producing quality goalkeepers at first team level as well as developing promising juniors. Darren is currently working towards his UEFA B Goalkeeping Licence.

Brian has been team doctor for several seasons. Having been a GP all his career the club were delighted to welcome him onboard and he has travelled extensively with the team both at home and in Europe, looking after the medical needs of the players. A very popular figure with players and officials alike, Brian is also a top grade cricket umpire and has umpired in Australia and South Africa as well as in this country.

David Douglas Performance Analyst

Gary Crosbie Physiotherapist

Bertnel Thompson TeamAttendant

A lifelong Ballymena United supporter, Davy was previously involved with the club’s Youth Academy before taking over as Performance Analyst, a role which he has been carrying out for 11 years. His job involves monitoring the players’ GPS, real time analysis and the preparation and formatting of opposition reports. Working closely with the manager and coaches, Davy provides analysis to prepare for training and matches.

Gary joined the club in 2017 having come highly recommended. Initially brought in to cover for two games in pre season, Gary made an instant impression and was offered the job full time. Having previously worked in a team environment with Donegal Celtic and also at Body Basic Sports Injury Clinic, Gary has brought extensive skills and knowledge to his role at Ballymena United.

Bertnel has been with Ballymena United in this role for over 25 years and in that time he has seen it all at the club, having worked with no less than seven managers. A highly popular and respected figure throughout football in this country, Bertnel unselfishly carries out a lot of work behind the scenes ensuring that every detail is attended to. A true Sky Blues legend.

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