We have to be mentally prepared says Jim Ervin

The knock-on effect of the Covid regulations on football regarding supporters attending games has been well documented.
Ballymena United captain Jim Ervin.   Mandatory Credit©INPHO/PressEye.com/Jonathan PorterBallymena United captain Jim Ervin.   Mandatory Credit©INPHO/PressEye.com/Jonathan Porter
Ballymena United captain Jim Ervin. Mandatory Credit©INPHO/PressEye.com/Jonathan Porter

But what effect does it have on the players? After a few high scoring games in the Premier League in England a few pundits started to question whether or not the empty stadiums were having an impact.

The Danske Bank Premiership kicks off tonight as Coleraine host Ballymena United wwith 450 home fans in attendance.

Sky Blus skipper Jim Ervin is disappointed fans of both clubs have to miss out, but in terms of the game he feels it’s up to the players to prepare properly.

“When I was at Linfield and you were playing in ‘Big Two’ games or top of the table clashes they looked after themselves really,” he said.

“You didn’t need any motivation because it was a packed house and you fed off the atmosphere of the crowd.

“But David (Jeffrey) and Bryan (McLoughlin) used to drive home to us about being mentally prepared when you went to play the so-called lesser teams for a midweek match when there would be very few fans there.

“You have to take ownership of your own game and make sure you have prepared for the game correctly, you cannot rely on the fans.

“I think that will be key this season as we don’t know how long we will be in this situation with regards to the fans, so we have to make sure we mentally prepare for every match and do what we need to.”

Ervin is hoping to get off to a good start tonight against their old foes as he is expecting another very competitive campaign.

“It was disappointing for us last season, for a number of reasons really, the main one was we just didn’t hit that level of consistency required,” he said.

“David and Bryan took the decision to freshen things up over the summer.

“You look at the league now and the teams who have made the move to full-time football, the level is continuously rising.

“We have been boosted by signing a player of the quality of Shay McCartan, who made the decision to return home and play again.”