King ‘over the moon’ as Ervin signs for Carrick

Starting his football journey as an apprentice at Nottingham Forest, Ervin returned home to Northern Ireland aged 19 and began his Irish League career at boyhood club Linfield.

The 36-year-old quickly asserted himself as a fan favourite, helping the Windsor Park outfit to a ‘clean sweep’ of all domestic trophies in his first season. A mainstay in Linfield teams in the years that followed, the defender won the Irish Premiership title six times and lifted the Irish Cup four times amongst 14 medals he collected during his nine-and-a-half seasons.

Amassing 298 appearances and scoring 22 goals for the Blues, Ervin would depart in January 2014 but was rewarded with a testimonial several months later for his service to David Jeffrey’s side.

His next stop would see him link up with former teammate Glenn Ferguson at Ballymena United where he slotted straight into the Sky Blues team.

In total, Ervin made 277 appearances and scored three goals for the Warden Street side and arrives at Rangers as a highly experienced first signing for boss Stuart King.

Stuart took charge at the east Antrim side last week. For more on this story, read here

Pleased to be arriving at the Loughshore Hotel Arena, Jim said: “I go a long way back with Stuarty (King) and have had a lengthy conversation with him and having listened to him, he and Scotty (Irvine) have a project here that they are excited to work on and in terms of where I am at in my career, I thought it was an opportunity that I could not turn down.

“I am glad to get the deal done and dusted and I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing what’s to come in the weeks and months ahead.”

King, who played with Ervin for a season at Linfield, was over the moon to confirm his first signing. The manager said: “I am delighted to have Jim Ervin on board as my first signing. He is a leader, a winner, and an experienced individual who I know still has a hunger to do well. This signing is another massive statement from the club and one I know will inspire the other players in the squad.

“Jim is someone I know very well, and I know his leadership qualities are something every club needs. He sets high standards and expects the same from his own teammates.”

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