Glentoran rebuild nothing new to me, says Declan Devine as overhaul begins

The Glens boss has kicked off his huge summer reshuffle with several big name departures.

Leaving the BetMcLean Oval are eight players including former Northern Ireland internationals Shay McCartan, Luke McCullough and midfielder Bobby Burns.

They are joined out the exit door by goalkeepers Aaron McCarey and Ollie Webber, defender Aidan Wilson and forwards Ruaidhri Donnelly and Junior.

More departures would not be a surprise as Devine looks to freshen up his panel after a shocking season which ended trophyless and without European football. The inconsistent Glens finished in fourth position, well adrift of champions Larne and even the other two title contenders in Linfield and Cliftonville, while their Irish Cup bid was ended in the Semi-Finals by Linfield. They were beaten on home soil by Coleraine in their European Play-Off Semi-Final, with Devine branding the performance as “feeble” and “like an Under-10s match”.

It was inevitable the axe would be wielded, and other Irish League clubs will decide if it’s worth making a move for those deemed surplus to requirements in east Belfast.

Coleraine have been interested in Burns while McCullough has been linked with Portadown and Glenavon. Several clubs, including Larne, may show an interest in Wilson.

Former Derry City and Bohemians boss Devine says he’s up for the challenge of awakening this sleeping giant.

“I have been in this situation before a few times,” said the former Glentoran goalkeeper. “When I came into Derry City in 2018 we had four signed players for the season. I had to build a squad and we were fortunate to sign good players and people, allowing us to qualify for Europe on the back of our League campaign and got to the Final of a League Cup. Another time with Bohemians I came in with three games to go in the season and the squad needed a complete overhaul with significant personnel changes.

“That year we finished 20 points better off and reached the Final of the FAI Cup which we unfortunately lost but there were big pluses in that season.

“The club needs change. I’m looking forward to working with players we have and younger players coming through the system who can enhance us in the coming season, while strengthening the squad. I’m also looking forward to embracing the future with a talented bunch of locally based players as well.”

Of the players leaving the club, Donnelly is the only one with a winners’ medal after the 2020 Irish Cup success.

Donnelly commented on ‘X’: “So I just wanna say thank you to @Glentoran for my time at the club and I wish the manager players staff volunteers and the supporters all the very best in the future I always tried to give my very best for the club every time I went onto the pitch thanks again Glentoran. Wanna thank the club fans players for the support they showed to me my brother (Jay) and my family in the time of my mother passing away use will forever hold a special place in my heart so thanks again glens all the best.”

Midfielder Seanan Clucas has joined Carrick Rangers, while Rhys Marshall has returned to Glenavon. First team coach John Gregg has also left his role at the club.

“It’s quite obvious that there needed to be change,” said Devine. “The players are out of contract and we needed a bit of a reset.

“I came in a few weeks ago and was able to analyse things before moving forward.

“The players leaving gives us a platform to go and strengthen and make sure the failures of this year are put firmly in the past.

“A lot of good lads have left and I like a lot of them personally.

“They have been good servants to the football club but now it’s time for a change.”