Dylan Boyle believes the summer transfer of players between Coleraine and Ballymena United will only add extra spice to Friday night’s derby.

Boyle swapped Ballymena for the Bannsiders during the transfer window, while Josh Carson, Stephen O’Donnell, Dean Jarvis and Jack O’Mahoney moved in the opposite direction.

They will have an early opportunity to face their former employers – and their teammates – when the two clubs meet in a derby.

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“We can’t wait. It’s a little extra incentive,” Boyle said.

“I was at Ballymena last season and then some of our former players moved to Ballymena. That just enriches the game even more.”

“We only care about ourselves and try to get three points.”

Boyle says the chance to play full-time football was “too good to turn down” as he considered his move to Ballycastle Road Showgrounds. He spent last season in Ballymena, making over 30 appearances in all competitions for Jim Ervin’s side.

He says he still has many friends at his former club but stresses that his only focus now is to help Coleraine reach the top.

“I had a really good year in Ballymena last year and enjoyed my time there, but when the opportunity came up to work full-time in Coleraine, it was too good to turn down,” he said.

“I still know a lot of people in Ballymena but when you cross the line for those 90 minutes of football, all that goes out the window. Then when it’s time to play, all you’re focused on is competing and getting three points.

“Yes, there is an added incentive and the fans know that too, but we will simply be in game mode from 7.45pm on Friday night.”

Boyle says he enjoys life in Coleraine and helping the club move into full-time football.

He added: “It’s been great so far. It’s a big change from last year, especially with the changes in player personnel.”

“Even when you look around the dressing room, you see so many new faces. But the way we have already gotten along and bonded is encouraging.

“As a team, we are very close-knit and the staff have been great at supporting us. And that helps us on a Saturday when we play against opposing teams.”

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