Barry Johnston believes there would be plenty of risk attached to Ballymena United appointing Jim Ervin as manager - but accepts any managerial appointment comes laced with uncertainty.
Former Sky Blues captain Ervin is believed to be the frontrunner to succeed David Jeffrey at the Showgrounds.
The deadline for applications passed on Friday and now the club's board will draw up its shortlist before interviewing candidates.
Read more: Jim Ervin emerges as strong favourite to land Ballymena United job
Ervin played 30 games in the Premiership last season with Carrick Rangers, and it remains unclear whether the 37-year-old is ready to step straight into management.
Johnston - who currently manages Lisburn Distillery in the Premier Intermediate League - believes Ballymena shouldn't overlook that inexperience despite Ervin being a firm fans' favourite.
But the former Irish League midfielder also accepts Ervin would bring a wealth of experience and contacts to any club in the top flight.
"Every management appointment is a risk. I think it would be a strange one for Ballymena," Johnston told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.
"Maybe if Jim went in as assistant for a while because it is a tough job. Look at Stuart King who went and cut his teeth at Banbridge Town before moving to Carrick Rangers.
"The step up from St James' to Distillery has been massive for me. And the thought of moving up to a Premiership club is quite daunting, even though you back yourself.
"You have bigger budgets, players on wages, reserve teams and all that.
"But I am sure Jim wouldn't be shy in bringing in good assistants. It might be risky for Ballymena, but why not.
"Jim knows our league inside out and has plenty of contacts and knows players.
"He would reach out to the players he knows and I am sure he would put out a competitive team. If he does get it I'd wish him all the best because he is a good lad."
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