Glentoran owner Ali Pour has stated he is £5 million down on his investment in the East Belfast club. The Iranian businessman, who took over in 2019, made the comments on BBC Sportsound before Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw with Bangor at The Oval, a result that leaves the Glens eighth in the table with seven points from six games.
Pour's initial commitment was just over £1 million seven or eight years ago. He has since backed manager Declan Devine significantly in the transfer market, bringing in players like Pat Hoban, Aaron McEneff and the returning Conor McMenamin. "It's no secret that my commitment was just over £1million seven or eight years ago," Pour said. He added that every player in this season's squad was handpicked by Devine, who has had the biggest budget of any Glentoran manager.
Pressure mounts after Bangor draw
The financial revelation comes amid mounting pressure on Devine's position. Supporters booed the team off at both half-time and full-time after the disappointing stalemate with Bangor, which followed a 2-1 defeat to Larne. The club's recent form reads one win, one draw and three losses from their last five league outings. They now sit nine points behind early leaders Coleraine.
Pour addressed the manager's situation directly, revealing he had a conversation with Devine on the morning of the Bangor match. The manager's response was unequivocal. "Ali, if I thought I couldn't pull this off, if I thought I can't manage this team, I would have a five minute chat with you, shake hands and be gone," Devine told the owner.
Long wait for silverware continues
Glentoran have not won the Gibson Cup since 2009 and have not finished inside the Premiership's top two since the 2008-09 season. Last term they collected a new high points tally but still finished six points behind champions Larne. Pour expressed his disappointment when star winger Conor McMenamin initially left for Coleraine, a move he said happened without Glentoran having much say. He was happy to provide the opportunity for McMenamin to return this summer, hoping the player can reach 80 or 90 percent of his previous best form in a Glentoran shirt.
Despite the current on-field struggles and his personal financial loss, Pour remains bullish about the club's value and his own position. He referenced Cliftonville being sold for £3 million as a comparison, stating he could sell Glentoran tomorrow for £5 million or more. "My investment is safe and I am still ahead as an investor," he declared. "I will make a profit when I decide to sell the club." He emphasised his involvement is driven by both heart and brains, and the time is not right to sell. Fans can check the team's upcoming schedule, including a key away trip to seventh-placed Crusaders on 19 December, on our fixtures page and view the full squad assembled under this investment.
