Glentoran’s rebuild will take time… it'll be hard to get back on top, admits ex-Oval boss Eddie Patterson

The Glens have embarked on a massive summer overhaul of their first team squad in a desperate attempt to stop the rot at the BetMcLean Oval.

Supporters have demanded radical changes on and off the pitch after the club’s campaign collapsed in alarming fashion.

Warren Feeney was unable to spark a revival this season and Declan Devine couldn’t guide the side into an Irish Cup Final or the European stage.

Former Derry City and Bohemians boss Devine has now kicked off his clearout with 10 players already through the exit door.

Rhys Marshall returned to Glenavon, while Seanan Clucas has joined Carrick Rangers.

Former Northern Ireland internationals Shay McCartan, Luke McCullough and midfielder Bobby Burns are also considering their next moves and likewise deemed surplus to requirements are goalkeepers Aaron McCarey and Ollie Webber, defender Aidan Wilson and forwards Ruaidhri Donnelly and Junior.

Owner Ali Pour craves title success but, despite investing more than £1million in the club, a first Championship since 2009 is no closer.

A failure to qualify for Europe will also limit the Glens’ financial muscle as they look to rebuild.

When Patterson was in charge of the Glens, he had to deal with financial constraints but was still able to steer the club to two Irish Cup triumphs in three seasons before being shown the door in 2015.

The former Cliftonville boss is not surprised so many players have left Glentoran but he fears the club will find it hard to challenge for honours in an increasingly competitive environment.

“It’s a major cull at Glentoran,” said Patterson. “It’s a massive rebuild job and that is a measure of the Glens’ season. They did not perform, whether it was under Warren or the last few games under Declan.

“It just hasn’t worked out and to bring new players in, they have to make changes and heads must roll.

“That’s the way it is. It’s going to be a massive big ask for the Glens to get near the top again.

“When Ali Pour took over and put the money in, the request was that there has to be regular qualification for Europe to keep that money topped up.

“Other clubs have done it and now Cliftonville are back in again.

“It’s a much more competitive League now than when I was involved in it.

“That can only be good for the League to have teams fighting for Europe and trophies.

“Winning Leagues and Cups get you into Europe and you have to do that or rely on the Play-Offs. The stakes in Irish League football are massive now.”

Devine says his summer rebuilding job is only just beginning and there could be more departures.

“I think there will be less wages available after missing out on Europe,” added Patterson.

“The big question is where does Declan get the players from? Does he bring through more younger players and bring in a few experienced ones?

“He’s losing massive experience with those players who have left.”

Former Solitude supremo Patterson has saluted the progress made at Cliftonville under Jim Magilton.

“I spent a week with Jim at Ipswich and I could see what he was about,” he added.

“I said he would be a good asset for Cliftonville and he has proved a point in his first season, winning the club’s first Irish Cup in 45 years and they are in Europe.

“For a part-time club without the finances that some clubs have, they can be very proud of what they have achieved.”