Ballymena United manager Oran Kearney is wasting no time stamping his authority on the squad, confirming eight departures from the club with the potential for that number to climb as high as 12.

In a significant shake-up at the Ballymena Showgrounds, Kearney has opted not to renew the contracts of defenders Stephen O'Donnell and former Northern Ireland international Daniel Lafferty, midfielders Aaron Jarvis and ex-Scotland international Dylan McGeouch, as well as goalkeeper Brad Wade. The club will also part ways with Alex Gawne, Caolan Loughran, and Shea McAuley, all of whom spent time out on loan this season.

But the roster overhaul doesn't stop there. Dean Ebbe, Ali Gould, Ryan McNickle, and Jack O'Reilly have all been made available for transfer, leaving fans speculating on who might be next out the door.

This clear-out marks the first phase of Kearney's summer rebuild after he took the reins in December following Jim Ervin's departure. Under his guidance, Ballymena secured a ninth-place finish in this season's Irish Premiership—a solid foundation from which to build, but one that clearly demands fresh faces and a new direction.