PRIOR Joel Thompson, a young player for Colchester United who recently joined Ballymena United, says he has "high hopes" for this season.
On a multi-year contract, the 19-year-old left League of Ireland team Finn Harps to join the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) Premiership team.
Thompson joined Colchester on a short-term deal from Nottingham Forest at the conclusion of the 2024 summer transfer window, however he left the JobServe Community Stadium in February after six months.
In addition to signing teammates Forest youths Aaron Donnelly and Jamie McDonnell on loan from the Premier League team, the teenage midfielder joined Colchester as part of the loan arrangement.
"I'm buzzing, really delighted to be here," Thompson said on the Ballymena United website.
"I had a couple conversations with Jim [Ervin] on his goals and the guys he already has here, and I think the team's experience is interesting.
"My purpose is to enter and play.
"I'm buzzing, really delighted to be here," Thompson said on the Ballymena United website.
"I had a couple conversations with Jim [Ervin] on his goals and the guys he already has here, and I think the team's experience is interesting.
"My purpose is to enter and play.
We aim to advance in the league and make a couple cup runs, therefore we have big plans for this season.
"I had a great time at Finn Harps, played a lot of games, and was prepared for my first full season of men's football."
After making an impression with the Northern Irish team Crusaders, Thompson joined Forest at the age of sixteen and played for the Premier League team for two years.
The Northern Ireland under-19 player, who is at ease playing both left-back and centre midfield, left the City Ground after two years to join Colchester. He joined Forest in July 2022.
Before leaving Colchester, Thompson played on loan for Aveley FC during the 2024–2025 season. He has now signed a contract with the Sky Blues.
"We're really happy to get Joel in," said Jim Ervin, manager of Ballymena, on the team's website.
"He trained with us in January and performed really well, but he was unable to play for a third team since he had already played for two UK clubs the previous season.
He spent six months at Finn Harps, but we stayed in touch with him and were eager to bring him inside the building once we found out he wouldn't be remaining there.
"We're really happy to get Joel in," said Jim Ervin, manager of Ballymena, on the team's website.
"He trained with us in January and performed really well, but he was unable to play for a third team since he had already played for two UK clubs the previous season.
He spent six months at Finn Harps, but we stayed in touch with him and were eager to bring him inside the building once we found out he wouldn't be remaining there.
After we sat down with him and heard his goals, we were even more delighted.
He can play a variety of positions, including number six, left back, and left wing back.
Since he has been performing nonstop with Finn Harps lately, he will take a little vacation, but he is ready and we are excited to have him join us.
He can play a variety of positions, including number six, left back, and left wing back.
Since he has been performing nonstop with Finn Harps lately, he will take a little vacation, but he is ready and we are excited to have him join us.
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