Glentoran boss Declan Devine keen to salvage season with European joy

European qualification will not paper over the cracks of what has been a turbulent campaign for the Glens but it will provide a financial boost as the club looks to complete a major rebuild.

Former Derry City boss Devine has been handed the manager’s job on a permanent basis and he already has one eye on the future as he looks to stabilise the club.

Glentoran have endured another trophyless campaign with Warren Feeney unable to get his side to find consistency this season and his reign was cut short.

Now the Glens face a European Play-Off Semi-Final at home to Coleraine and another win or bust scenario.

The Bannsiders impressed on a visit to the BetMcLean Oval earlier in the campaign and after a campaign ravaged by injuries and dismal form, they found momentum towards the end of the season.

While Crusaders and Carrick Rangers contest the other Semi-Final on Wednesday night, Devine will expect his side to reward the long suffering supporters with two performances full of passion and pride.

One of the players who has impressed for the Glens this season is rising young star Jonathan Russell who was voted Glentoran ‘Player of the Year’ for 2023-24 by the club’s supporters.

He will be presented with his award by Castlereagh GSC officials before the Coleraine game.

Former Larne midfielder Fuad Sule was runner-up in his first season with the east Belfast club.

Devine has saluted the 19-year-old who has a bright future in the game ahead of him.

“I’ve said since I came here that we have a tremendous amount of young talent at this club and we saw it firsthand on Saturday,” he said.

“Jonny is a perfect example of that young talent. A very talented and enthusiastic lad who has been outstanding in his first full season and who I’ve no doubt will be a pillar at Glentoran for a long time to come.

“He clearly shows that if a young player has the attitude to match his ability the Bet McLean Oval will be the right place to be. Well done Jonny.”

Russell was delighted with the fans’ recognition and he will use it as inspiration to keep improving.

“Obviously our season hasn’t been anywhere near good enough this year but hopefully we can turn this into two good performances on the next week and hopefully achieve Europe,” he told the club’s website.

“On a personal note I’m delighted to achieve this award at such a big club and hopefully can keep performing for the seasons to come in a Glentoran shirt.

“I want to thank all the staff and players who’ve helped me achieve this award this season and hopefully it’s the first of many achievements at Glentoran.”

Coleraine will be without defender Darren Cole who was sent off in his side’s final Premiership fixture at Larne on Saturday.

The 5-0 loss to the champions was not the result or performance manager Oran Kearney wanted from his men ahead of the play-off but Matthew Shevlin and Jamie McGonigle should return to give his side fresh firepower.

Coleraine produced a spirited performance at Windsor Park last month to frustrate title challenging Linfield and they are more than capable of rocking the Glens on their own patch.

The financial stakes are high for both clubs who have underperformed this season but they can still set up a shot at securing European football.