Glentoran manager Declan Devine has given updates on injured players and the club's transfer plans as the summer window continues. Speaking ahead of the Big Two derby with Linfield, Devine confirmed timelines for Josh Daniels and Andrew Mills while outlining a cautious approach to new signings, as reported by the News Letter.
Devine said Daniels, who suffered a knee knock in European action, is about two weeks away from a return. Andrew Mills rolled his ankle in training last week and is awaiting a scan to determine the severity. The manager emphasized that once the full squad is available, competition for places will be intense.
What is Glentoran's transfer strategy?
Declan Devine stated that any further incoming business must improve the collective quality of the squad. "If we are to sign more players, it has to make us better," he said. The club has already added Greg Sloggett, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, and Rhys Walsh this window. Devine expects several young players to depart on loan in the coming weeks due to significant interest from other clubs.
He also highlighted the impending returns of Jarlath O'Rourke and Liam Burt from injury as internal boosts that will strengthen the group. The manager's focus remains on securing the right profile of player rather than making signings for the sake of activity. You can view the current squad composition on our squad page.
How does the squad look for the derby?
Glentoran travel to Windsor Park this weekend for the first Big Two clash of the season against rivals Linfield. Devine's side opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Limavady United. Linfield, meanwhile, suffered a surprising 3-0 home defeat to Ballymena United. Despite that result, Devine insists his team will prepare for Linfield's quality, not their recent form.
"We'll not look at what happened to them, we'll look at the quality that they possess," Devine explained. He noted he watched Linfield in a pre-season game and they were impressive. The manager stressed that derby matches are decided on the day, a sentiment echoed throughout Glentoran's history. The upcoming fixture is a key part of the early season standings.
What is the context of Glentoran's recent progress?
The club finished third last season, collecting their highest points tally since the 2008/09 title-winning campaign. They ended six points behind champions Larne. Devine is aiming to end an 18-year wait for league glory by 2027. Recent transfer windows have seen the arrivals of notable players like Pat Hoban, Jack Malone, Jordan Stewart, and Aaron McEneff, building a competitive squad.
This sustained recruitment drive has transformed the team's depth and options. The current squad reflects a significant turnover from two years ago, when only two players from today's team featured in the opening match of the 2024 season. Devine expressed his delight with the current group's mentality, which is focused on securing three points each week. Fans can track the team's performance metrics on our stats hub.
What comes next for Glentoran?
The immediate focus is the derby at Windsor Park, a major test in the early phase of the season. Following that, the management will continue to monitor the transfer market for opportunities that meet their strict criteria. The return of injured players will provide a further lift in the coming weeks.
With the window still open, outgoing loan moves for academy products are anticipated. The club's strategy is clear: build gradually with targeted additions while fostering internal competition. This approach aims to sustain the progress made under Devine and challenge at the top of the table. The full schedule of challenges ahead can be found on the fixtures list.
