Jim Ervin says making the jump into management was a tougher decision than expected as it meant he had to call time on his playing career.
The 37-year-old has decided to hang up his boots to concentrate on his new managerial job at Ballymena United.
Ervin had been planning to play next season with Carrick Rangers, but insists his full focus will now be on helping transform the fortunes of the Sky Blues.
