Coates joins Ballymena after Cliftonville exit

Colin Coates has turn out to be Jim Ervin’s first signing as Ballymena United supervisor, becoming a member of the Sky Blues after his launch from fellow Irish Premiership facet Cliftonville.

Coates helped Cliftonville win the 2022 League Cup however departed Solitude earlier this month.

He has additionally had spells with Crusaders and Glenavon within the Irish Premiership.

Coates spent 18 years with Cliftonville’s north Belfast rivals Crusaders, successful three Premiership titles and two Irish Cups, in addition to amassing over 500 appearances for the membership earlier than leaving in 2020.

The one-time Northern Eire worldwide then joined Gary Hamilton’s Glenavon, however restricted sport time noticed him make the swap to Solitude after simply 18 months with the Lurgan Blues.

He’ll now proceed his profession with crushed Irish Cup finalists Ballymena, who beneath new boss Ervin will look to enhance upon final season’s ninth place league end.