Jim Ervin has simple message for John Herron as he prepares for Irish League comeback
Jim Ervin has a simple message for John Herron as the midfielder finally closes in on a start for his new club.
The midfielder signed on at The Showgrounds in the summer but had to sit out the opening few weeks of the season as he completed the 10-game ban he was hit with back in 2022 while at Larne.
Herron left the Invermen by mutual consent after a picture of him wearing a t-shirt with an alleged pro-IRA slogan circulated on social media.
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The 30-year-old had spells in Australia and Gibraltar before returning to Northern Ireland in the summer to link up with Ballymena, but he had to complete his ban before being able to kick a ball for his new club.
In his absence the Sky Blues have turned a four-game losing streak into a five-game winning run to sit second in the league with boss Ervin letting Herron know the midfielder will have to earn his place in his high-flying side.
“John’s ban is now up so he is available for selection," he said. “Obviously he will need to play games to get his fitness levels up to where the rest of the guys are.
“That’s what we will be helping John with over the next few weeks. One hundred per cent, he will have to earn his place in the team."
As well as riding high at the top end of the league Ervin also has a full squad to pick from. For the Ballymena boss it's a welcome headache to have.
“For the first time since I took over, everyone has been fit and available, bar John," he said.
“Coatesy (Colin Coates) has been working his way back but we have been leaving senior players out of matchday squads.
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“They are disappointed not to be getting an opportunity. You want to have that challenge as a manager and player.
"Your place in the team is not guaranteed, this season the boys are fighting together and they are looking after themselves as well as the group.
“We have a really healthy squad and we are happy with it, we had a really good transfer window. Johnny McMurray’s confidence levels have shot up and when you bring in quality players to the football club you find the players’ levels rise, that’s great for everyone at the club."
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