Ballymena target first trophy of Jeffrey era
Carrick stand in the way of DJ's big moment
As the countdown begins to the League Cup final - one of the big silverware showdowns of the local football season - Downtown & Cool FM Sports Reporter ALEX KEERY catches up with one of the legends of the game David Jeffrey, now manager of Ballymena United
Saturday's League Cup final will be a clash of two clubs who have never lifted the trophy.
Ballymena and Carrick Rangers meet at Seaview, with both clubs hoping to write history. For Carrick, it's their first final in the competition, while Ballymena were downed in the 2014 showpiece. However, under the guidance of David Jeffrey, expectations will be higher this time around.
Although his stint at Linfield saw him lift the trophy seven times, he says that has no bearing on this weekend.
"This is totally different, because we didn't expect to be in a cup final so quickly," Jeffrey admitted. He also says his vast experience doesn't remove a certain fear factor: "You're always nervous before any upcoming final - particularly so with this one."
League form would suggest Ballymena are the favourites, as they have beaten Carrick three times already this season.
"Yes, it's a winnable game for Ballymena - but it's also a winnable game for Carrick Rangers, make no mistake about that. If anything, I was delighted we got the 3-1 victory against them the other week, but it was nip and tuck," said Jeffrey.
While he believes a cup win would be fantastic for the club, Jeffrey's ambition for the season remains the same: "Our primary aim, our primary focus, this year was to improve in the league, and since the inception of the Premiership Ballymena have never broken into that top six."
He is getting close, though. With five games to go until the split, Ballymena are 5th.