Ross Redman backing Ballymena experience to stop the rot

Having started the season with derby delight over Coleraine, Ballymena now host Warrenpoint Town today aiming to arrest the decline off four consecutive Danske Bank Premiership defeats.

Redman has clocked up the minutes in Ballymena colours since his September arrival - following a loan spell at Dungannon Swifts last season from Glentoran - and remains confident United can turn the tables thanks to the depth of Irish League knowledge around The Showgrounds.

“We obviously need to start getting those points on the board again and it’s important not to fall into a mental rut during a difficult run of results,” said Redman, who started out with his hometown club Portadown. “We don’t know how things stand this season given the coronavirus situation so everyone is keen to have points behind them in case something changes.

“But our performances overall have not been too bad and you just want that one result to go your way.

“I look around the club and from David Jeffrey and Bryan McLaughlin on the sidelines to people in the team like Jim Ervin as captain, there’s so much ability and knowledge.

“That experience also helps in situations like this and it’s about looking to the next game and next opportunity when in any difficult run.

“We have Warrenpoint coming to us now and know our home record needs improvement but also to expect a tough game against a side so capable.

“Warrenpoint made some familiar signings and also others less well-known maybe but under Barry Gray you know to expect a team that will battle and work so hard, so you always have to earn any result.”

The results to date do not reflect the overall experience for Redman at Ballymena.

“I had a few teams talking to me but once David Jeffrey made contact it was an easy decision and I’ve actually really enjoyed my time here so far overall,” said Redman. “The atmosphere is really good around the club, with an excellent dressing room.

“David said he wanted me at Ballymena for my playing ability but, now at 30 years old I’ve plenty of experience to draw on from previous clubs and am willing to help in any way possible some of the younger players.

“In terms of how they go about everything, Ballymena is up there among the best I’ve seen in my career when it comes to professionalism.”