Carrick Rangers 1-4 Ballymena United: ‘I haven’t slept for weeks’ – King

Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King has admitted he has “not slept for weeks” due to his team’s good form.

The Taylors’ Avenue side are bottom of the table after losing 4-1 to Ballymena on Tuesday, extending their unwinnable run in the league to six.

“I’m running out of money. I’m trying to support a family and a career.

“I’m not stupid. We have to win football games and that’s how I’m judged.”

Aaron Jarvis opened the scoring for Ballymena inside two minutes and Daniel Lafferty doubled their lead.

Steven Gordon scored another goal for Carrick and both teams hit the woodwork before Ben Kennedy scored two penalties in the closing stages to secure victory for Ballymena.

“Right now we don’t have a chance and the odds are against us,” King said after the loss.

“Someone has a voodoo doll against us – probably me – but I can look at myself in the mirror and say I’m giving it my all, probably at the expense of my family, but it doesn’t go away.

“It all comes down to me. I’m the manager. I’m a proud man. I’m big and strong enough to handle anything that comes my way, but I have to take care of myself, my family and the people who are important to me.

“When it comes down to it, you see who your buddy is — and “I have to take care of myself a little bit.”

King’s team travel to Linfield on Saturday to take on title contenders, with King having reiterated his belief that his team is stronger than their form suggests.

“I really believe that if we have everyone fit and available, we are a top seven team. I really believe that.

“We showed that last year, but at the moment it is not happening and I take responsibility for that.”