Jim Ervin has blasted reports linking new signing Patrick McEleney with with a quick exit from Ballymena United, insisting the midfielder WILL be playing for for the club come January.
Reports surfaced last week that McEleney was set for a sensational return to former club Derry City to become part of Tiernan Lynch's backroom team before he had even kicked a ball for his new side.
The 32-year-old only left the Brandywell last month following former boss Ruaidhri Higgins' departure and put pen to paper with the Sky Blues.
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But the former Sunderland and Oldham man has been tipped to make a U-turn and return to his hometown club under new boss Lynch with talks between the Candystripes and Ballymena United to thrash out a deal reportedly underway.
Speaking after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Dungannon Swifts United boss Ervin was asked about the situation and he hit back saying he was "fed up" with the calls he has received in the past week and confidently asserted McEleney would be playing at The Showgrounds come Janaury.
"Patrick McEleney is a Ballymena United player, it's as simple as that," Ervin told BBC Sport. "He's been here, he's been in and around the group, he's been training. To be honest I'm getting a bit sick and tired of the phone calls I've been receiving this week.
"Patrick McEleney has signed for Ballymena United. He's 32 years of age, he wants to play football. Patrick McEleney will play for Ballymena come January once the transfer window opens."
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