Former Glentoran manager Scott Young has put forward Gary Hamilton as the ideal candidate to take over at The Oval. Young believes the club hero has the ability to build a team that can finally end a 15-year trophy drought.

Declan Devine left his role after a 1-1 draw with Bangor earlier this month. That result left Glentoran sitting eighth in the Northern Ireland Premiership, a position they still hold with seven points from seven games. Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three defeats from the last five outings.

Young's case for Hamilton

Scott Young, who managed the club in the past, said the owner had provided resources for success that were not fully utilised. He stressed he could not fault Devine's passion or his playing career with Glentoran, and that supporters were desperate for him to succeed. The key now, Young argued, is appointing a manager who can get the best from the senior squad.

He pointed directly to Gary Hamilton's credentials. Hamilton won a Premiership title as a Glentoran player and later managed Glenavon for nearly 12 years. During that time he led them to two Irish Cup victories and secured four top-three finishes in the league. He is currently in charge of third-tier side Ballymacash Rangers.

Young said he would like to see Hamilton given a crack at the job. He acknowledged that any appointment will divide fan opinion, but believes Hamilton's track record of constructing organised and cohesive teams is what Glentoran need. The club's last Gibson Cup triumph came in 2009, and Devine became the latest manager unable to end that long wait.

The current picture

The search for a new boss continues as the team prepares for its next challenge. Glentoran's immediate focus is a tough away fixture against Crusaders FC on 19 December. Crusaders currently sit fifth in the standings, making it a significant test.

With nine goals scored and nine conceded this season, finding a consistent formula is the immediate task for whoever takes charge. The squad, which you can review in detail here, will be looking for stability and a clear direction. The new manager's first job will be to improve on a league position that sees the side 12 points behind leaders Coleraine. The next appointment will be key for the club's ambitions this season and beyond.

Read the full report at Belfast News Letter