Ballymena United new boy David McDaid says teaming up with David Jeffrey was the “deciding factor” behind his decision to swap Inver Park for the Showgrounds.
McDaid’s recent move to Braidmen has to go down as one of the biggest surprises and potential coups of the summer transfer window so far.
The 31-year-old striker admits it was a “really tough decision” to leave Larne where he has spent the past five years and become a fans favourite.
Read more: Cliftonville make their sixth summer signing with capture of former Sheffield United winger
But the former Derry City, Cliftonville and Coleraine forward is relishing working under one of the Irish League’s most decorated managers.
Asked if Jeffrey was one of the key reasons behind his move to the Sky Blues, McDaid told the Ballymena United YouTube channel: “I have a lot of respect for him and just speaking to him, the way he made me feel, he was the deciding factor in me coming here.
“I was in Dubai (after getting married) while the deal was getting done and the boss man was ringing me and the things he said, it was nice to hear. The way he makes you feel, it’s like no one else.
“I loved every minute of my time at Larne and it wasn’t easy leaving, it was really tough to be honest, but this is another big challenge and it excites me.
“I love challenges and the meetings I had with the boss, it’s exactly what I want as well and I can’t wait to get started.”
McDaid, regarded as one of the most intelligent frontmen to grace the Irish League in recent years, scored 15 goals in all competitions for Larne last season.
And the seasoned forward, who also played for Sligo Rovers, Waterford and Finn Harps, is eager to set a high bar for himself heading into his first campaign as a Ballymena player.
“I’m not one to talk about targets in public,” he said. “I have targets in my own head and I’ll keep that to myself, but the bar won’t be low.”
Ballymena, who finished eighth in the Danske Bank Premiership last season, kick-off the new campaign at home to Glenavon on August 13.
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