Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where - Football Manager Stories - FM14

Grimnir

16 years ago

5 months ago

2,727

24 Jul 2016 09:27:34

Must be pretty close at the top.

What bits have you cut from those players profiles? Seems odd.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

24 Jul 2016 09:46:39

@Suffolk Seasider I originally edited the contract details out from season two and their squad numbers. Amended them so it looks more aesthetically pleasing on the eye.

Season two is underway actually; in the early stages of. All will become clear soon. About 2 points difference at top. Just hoping for a slip up..

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

24 Jul 2016 19:10:52

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: March

Two goals in a minute kept up our good form and maintained our challenge for the league title, and against a Cliftonville side that have underachieved all season. The deadlock was broken after 27 minutes, Stephen McAlorum dispossessed Catney in midfield and then picked out Aaron Boyd who had timed his run to perfection before slotting the ball into the far corner. The second arrived quickly afterwards, this time David Howland with the pass and Boyd latched onto it before driving a low shot into the net. We simply didn't look like losing.

The following week, we were back in Irish Cup action and the quarter final draw took us back to Tobemore where we played in the League Cup: ironically at the quarter final stage too. We eased into the semi-final with a professional performance and had it won by half time. The goalscoring started after just 5 minutes, Ryan O'Neill's ball forward was flicked on by Boyd and Mark Miskimmin turned his man to execute a wonderful shot into the top corner. It became 2-0 in the 21st minute, a swift counter attack ended with David Scullion picking his spot with a low finish. Two minutes later, we made it three. Jonny Addis' provided a cheeky back heel to put Marcus Kane in the clear and although his first effort hit the bar: the rebound was vehemently put away with power.

With a couple of minutes to half time, we added a fourth goal. O'Neill provided an inch perfect cross and Kane nodded home his second of the afternoon from around the penalty spot. The shell shocked home side pulled one back from the restart though. Ryan McLaughlin's pinpoint pass picked out Jordan Clarke, who was clearly onside and he finished with aplomb. We had to wait until the 73rd minute before the fifth and final goal arrived, Jimmy Callacher's well struck free-kick hit the post and Boyd was there like all good strikers to put away a juicy rebound.

Another it has to be said, abysmal performance away at Ballinamallard. This time, throwing away a two goal lead and escaping with a point. Not exactly the kind of a result when you're chasing a league title. We took an 11th minute lead when Jim O'Hanlon crossed and Boyd took a touch before rifling a shot across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Seven minutes from half time, we were 2-0 ahead. Great wing play from Kane and an unstoppable volley from Miskimmin to finish. Yet the Mallards kept plugging away and in the 68th minute got a goal back, some good team play from them and sleepy defending from us gave Gareth Quinn a chance six yards out and he buried it. Surely we couldn't let this go? But we did and they got their point with an equaliser 11 minutes from the end, Dean Fitzgerald with the pass and PJ Lavery was unmarked to finish from an acute angle.

I'll be blunt and say it as it was, another shit performance two days later against Ards: a team fighting against the drop. Ards had to play the majority of the second half with just ten men, yet we couldn't get three points. That's annoying as. The dismissal came in the opening stages after the restart, Stevie Gordon went in late on Mark Clarke and the referee had no option but to red card the Ards man. We took the lead in the 59th minute, Scullion's corner being diverted into his own net by the unlucky David Armstrong. Their leveller came with 14 minutes to go, Jordan White dispossessed Callacher in midfield before running on and firing a cracking effort past the exposed Elliot Morris. Terrible, terrible, terrible.

Our last trip to Warrenpoint this season and by gosh didn't we need this win. With the split coming up after this game and the final run in as well, it was imperative we came away with a maximum haul and we did. Boyd gave us a 10th minute lead when he played a nice one-two with Miskimmin and provided a composed low finish. He added his and our second with seven minutes to go to half time, Scullion headed the ball forward and just as it looked that Warrenpoint would clear: Boyd nipped in between two defenders to hammer an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net with the angle against him. Point pulled a goal back in the 55th minute, Jonathan Parr's goal kick was flicked on by Francis McKenna and Darragh Hanaphy finished well from a sharp angle. We secured the win though with 20 minutes left, Scullion's corner was scrambled home by Jimmy Callacher for the central defender's first goal of the season.

Shedender

18 years ago

2 months ago

13,751

24 Jul 2016 19:44:29

Good to see you're continuing to update this @HockeyBhoy, things aren't looking too bad. Andy Morrow is a good signing (gutted he retired at the end of last season irl) but just don't expect him to bang the goals in left, right and centre pal.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

25 Jul 2016 15:03:38

Yeah I've got the bug firmly back now @Shedender mate.

Conclusion of season one should be finished in the next few days. I see Morrow as an experienced head capable of chipping in with a few goals here and there, just hope I can keep Boyd and Miskimmin or one of them. Keep on reading!

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

25 Jul 2016 17:51:15

Season Split Fixtures Known

Tuesday 25 March 2014

This morning saw the Danske Bank Premier confirm the end of season spilt and the remaining five fixtures. Since we have finished in the top half of the table, we are in the following group:

GLENTORAN
Portadown
Linfield
Crusaders
Glenavon
Coleraine

We begin our split games on Tuesday 1 April 2014 with the final Big Two derby of the season against Linfield at The Oval. Then it's a break until Thursday 24 April and we finish with four games in the space of just nine days. Pretty demanding but our manager Mark Duell believes that we have the quality and depth to get through this. So on the 24th we go to Seaview to face Crusaders before a huge clash two days later at The Oval against fellow title challengers Portadown. A visit to Coleraine comes three days after that before we finish the season on 3 May 2014 with a trip to Lurgan to face Glenavon.

With Portadown wobbling a bit, could this be our big chance to grab our first title since 2008-09.

KEEP THE FAITH!

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

25 Jul 2016 18:52:19

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: April

Excuse my french but that was a fucking huge win! I managed to get the better of the fat lad, and what a time to do it when chasing a league crown! Goals from David Scullion and Aaron Boyd did the trick in front of an excellent crowd of just over 3000; and with Portadown slipping up as well: we are now on top of the pile. The opening goal came on 13 minutes, a superb counter attack saw Mark Miskimmin put Scullion in the clear and he volleyed home via the far post. Pure bedlam. The game was put to bed four minutes after the break, Scullion with the cross and Boyd with a beautiful header right in front of the Linfield support. They didn't threaten us at all, and we held on comfortably. Fat lad looked like he was gonna explode at the end, past caring from my stance.

As D:Ream once said: "Things Can Only Get Better" and by gosh they are at the moment. We are riding on the crest of a proverbial wave now and confidence is oozing. We hadn't played well against Ballinamallard all season but a dogged performance that was so full of character has sent us into the Cup Final. My hotshot strikers did the trick, scoring in each half and despite the Mallards pulling one back, we made it. Miskimmin opened the scoring on 16 minutes when he latched on an inch perfect pass from Scullion, brought it down, then fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner. Superb! Boyd extended it on 52 minutes, Richard Clarke with a low cross and the striker finished well at the near post. Mallards ensured a nervy finish with 17 minutes left when former Glens midfielder Peter McCann found Gareth Quinn, and the 15 year old belied his tender years by skimming Jimmy Callacher before letting fly with a shot that Elliot Morris had no chance of saving. But we held on, and now face who else but Linfield in the final.

An absolute rarity, a game where we failed to score. Defences were on top in this game at Seaview and to be honest it was a bit of a dour spectacle to say the least. We drew positives though, and one of them was keeping a clean sheet at a difficult venue. The next was we didn't pick up any serious injuries but the main one was that on the road home back to East Belfast: we heard Portadown had lost again. Therefore we are really in the box seat and could really stamp home our authority on Saturday.

This was a game we dominated from start to finish but we only got one point from. However it was enough to keep the gap between us and Ports and puts the latter under serious pressure to win both their last two games and hope we slip up. Not that we intend to. Portadown were ahead on 26 minutes, and it was a harsh penalty decision. Somehow from Sean Mackie's corner, referee Mr Ginnett thought Calum Birney impeded Chris Casement at the far post. Ludicrous decision but it was given, and Mackie hammered the spot kick down the middle for 0-1. The lead lasted just two minute, and after Kevin Braniff had smashed one against our crossbar, we went on the counter and from Stephen McAlorum's pass Mark Miskimmin placed a shot beyond David Miskelly and parity was restored. Neither side could break through after that but I was still wondering how we failed to win the game.

Call this another bump in the road, just call it one. We could won the title again, but failed to deliver. Are we getting the jitters or something? The good thing is that Portadown still haven't overtaken us but it's going to go down to a last day decider on Saturday. Coleraine scored the only goal of the game as early as the 19th minute, Stephen Lowry's ball forward was flicked on by Gary Browne and Craig Moore hammered the ball home on the half volley from just outside teh box. Try as we might, we couldn't score leaving the scene set for what is going to be a nervous Saturday in Lurgan.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

25 Jul 2016 20:05:41

Super Saturday

Saturday 3 May 2014

Welcome to Danske Bank Super Saturday. The destination of this season's title will be decided this afternoon. Will Glentoran hold on to win their first title since 2009 or will Portadown, who led the table for the majority of the campaign, come back to snatch at the last. If they do, this will be their first league title since 2002.

15:00 The games in Lurgan and Portadown are underway
15:03 And it's a disastrous start for Portadown! Three minutes on the watch, and Steven Douglas heads home Stephen Carson's inch perfect free-kick to give Coleraine the lead here at Shamrock Park.
15:09 It's a lucky escape here for Glentoran here in Lurgan. Great reactions from Glens keeper Elliot Morris to stop Kyle Neill's cross-cum-shot creeping at the far post.
15:10: Super save! Wayne Drummond has just denied Portadown an equaliser, with a brilliant save to deny Gary Twigg. The header looked certain to go in until the Coleraine keeper stuck out a big right hand.
15:17 Glentoran should be ahead, but Marcus Kane has missed an absolute sitter. His manager is there with his head in his hands.
15:18 How did he save that? Yet another superb save from Drummond and Chris Casement cannot believe his volley has been saved, it looked a goal all the way.
15:19 Another chance goes begging for Portadown. Darren Murray has just headed into the side netting.
15:21 Half a chance for Glenavon, Mark Farren with an ambitious effort from distance but it's well over Morris' bar.
15:21 Should be 2-0 to Coleraine here but somehow it isn't. Gary Browne evaded the offside trap and has fired wide when it was easier to score.
15:25 First booking of the day in Lurgan, Jimmy Callacher for a foul on Farren.
15:26 Glentoran have gone close again, David Scullion with a sweet left foot volley that has gone inches wide.
15:33 Chance for Glenavon, Eddie McCallion with the corner and Guy Bates heads just over.
15:34 Great play for Portadown, but Sean Mackie can't finish: he's put it wide!
15:45 Just a minute's added on time here in Lurgan, and there's two to add on in Portadown.
15:46 Half time in Lurgan, and it's Glenavon 0 Glentoran 0
15:47 Half time at Portadown, and the home side trail Coleraine by Steven Douglas' early header.

16:01 We're back underway in Lurgan.
16:02 The game restarts here at Shamrock Park.
16:05 Beautiful football here by Glentoran. Mark Miskimmin and Kane combining, but the former sends his half volley wide.
16:05 Angled shot by substitute Kevin Braniff, but unluckily for him and Portadown:it's over the crossbar.
16:10 A second booking for Glentoran, Stephen McAlorum for an apparent foul. Surely McKeown should be booked instead, that was disgraceful playacting.
16:12 Glenavon go close again, Neill with the cross and Farren's volley cracks against the woodwork.
16:18 Matthew Paget goes into the book here for a foul on Coleraine's Howard Beverland.
16:21 What a game Drummond is having! Mackie looked certain to score there after a brilliant Portadown move but Drummond has somehow turned it around the post. Now Casement tries from distance, but it's wide
16.28 At last McKeown is in the book! He is cautioned for a foul on McAlorum.
16:30 Stephen McCullough is the third Glentoran player booked, he tripped Shane McCabe.
16:34 Guy Bates with a chance for Glenavon, he's clean through. But Morris turns the ball around the post when Bates should have scored.
16:35 Chance for Mark Stafford, but Morris saves once more for Glentoran.
16:36 Portadown have a second player booked, David Kee clearly tripped Gareth Tommons.
16:38 It's desperation from Portadown now, they're losing their cool. Ross Redman and Mackie both go into the book for clear fouls.
16:41 So close Stephen Carson, that free-kick was just wide.
16:44 Speculative effort for Andy McGrory and Glenavon, but Morris is in the right place.
16:46 We're going to have three minutes added on time here in Lurgan.
16:47 Three minutes added on time here in Portadown.
16:49 Glenavon are ahead! Mark Farren is in the clear and has slotted the ball home to make it Glenavon 1 Glentoran 0.
16:50 Final whistle here in Lurgan, Glenavon win 1-0.
16:51 The final whistle has gone here in Portadown, and Coleraine have won by that early Douglas goal.

GLENTORAN ARE THE 2013-14 CHAMPIONS!

So we did it, despite a stuttering finish. That's now two trophies in the cabinet. Can we make it three in the Cup Final against Linfield?

Grimnir

16 years ago

5 months ago

2,727

26 Jul 2016 07:45:55

A treble in the first season would be nice!

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

26 Jul 2016 19:13:40

Glens secure unprecedented treble

Saturday 10 May 2014, Irish Cup Final
Venue: The Oval, Belfast. Attendance: 5056

Way back in July last year, Glentoran appointed an unknown to replace a Cup winning manager and people were thinking what are they doing. However, on this wet May afternoon in East Belfast as the National Stadium was out of action: a lot more people know about the name of Mark Duell. This guy has led the Glens to an absolute unprecedented treble in his first season and justified his appointment. Aubry Ralph and the Glentoran board should be giving themselves a huge pat on their backs.

Linfield, despite the League Cup win last month, have completely underachieved this season. The team finished 5th in the table and this has increased the speculation about long serving manager David Jeffrey's future. With this tension building, their confidence took a bigger dent in the 16th minute when inspirational captain Philip Lowry limped off injured after a challenge with Glens left-back Steven McCullough. However, the Blues took the lead three minutes later when McCullough brought down Michael Carvill in the area, and a penalty was duly awarded by Mr Courtney much to Glentoran's dismay. Former Oldham Athletic striker Matthew Tipton duly stepped up and delivered the perfect penalty low into Elliot Morris right hand corner.

But one thing we have learned from Glentoran under Duell, is that they have the ability to bounce back and show some steel. They proved this and were level after 23 minutes, striker Mark Miskimmin pulled the ball back and Man of the Match Richard Clarke was given enough time to pick his spot and place it beyond the despairing Jonny Tuffey in the Linfield goal. It was a goal that sent Jeffrey into an incandescent rage on the touch whilst his opposite number ran down the touchline in sheer delight. You had to see it to believe it.

Buoyed by this and despite Linfield having the best of the play, the Glens took the lead with just three minutes left to go to half time. Superb play by Aaron Boyd played in David Scullion and he clipped it back from the byline onto Miskimmin and the striker glanced his header into the far corner with Tuffey and the Blues defence all at sea. Needing a third to have Linfield under serious pressure, Glens pushed on and got their rewards in the 56th minute. David Howland produced a superb ball that caused Tuffey to race from his line. However, the Blues keeper's efforts were in vain as Boyd got there a fraction before him and slid the ball under the advancing custodian. 3-1 to the Glens.

Encouraged by Jeffrey barking out instructions like he was a sergeant major, Linfield continued to press and press. Yet those efforts fell by the wayside and at 16:52 this Saturday afternoon, Duell and his men in green celebrated whilst Jeffrey slumped off, disconsolate and about to tear those men in blue a strip or two in the dressing room.

The Teams:

Morris ©; O'Neill, Birney, Callacher, McCullough (sub 56 mins Hill); Scullion, Howland, R.Clarke (sub 78 mins McAlorum), Kane; Miskimmin, Boyd (sub 90 mins Addis). Unused substitutes: O'Hanlon, Hogg.

Tuffey; R.Glendinning, Haughey, McVey, A.Burns; Lowry © (sub 16 mins Carvill), McCaul, Mulgrew, Waterworth (sub 57 min M.Clarke); McAllister, Tipton. Unused substitutes: Jennings, Magee, McKeown.

Tipton (pen 18), R.Clarke (23), Miskimmin (42), Boyd (56)

R.Clarke (2), McCullough (17), Birney (45+1)
Referee: Mr Mark Courtney (Dungannon)
Man of the Match: Richard Clarke (Glentoran)

"It's a fantastic feeling to complete this treble. We fully deserve this for such hard work through the season with each other and those fans deserve it too. That's two Cup wins in a row, a superb achievement. Mark (Miskimmin) and Aaron (Boyd) have been tremendous all season and proved to be an excellent partnership. Obviously we would like to keep them as their deals are up at the end of the season but that's down to me talking to the Chairman about figures; not including my own future. I'm a bit unhappy that David (Jeffrey) didn't shake my hand at the end, but he's entitled to be a mardy arse if he wants to be.

But tonight is now going to be all about Glentoran. One thing I can assure you of, we're gonna have a hell of a party and won't stop!"

Mark Duell, Glentoran Manager

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

26 Jul 2016 19:45:30

Monday 19 May 2014

Glens in contract breakdown

Just nine days after the incredible conclusion which saw Glentoran conclude a tremendous treble winning season, there are problems. With his contract up for renewal, manager Mark Duell has turned a new deal with the East Belfast side and unless matters are resolved then Glens could be losing the man who has brought the feel good factor back to The Oval. Duell duly explained as such:

"Well as you know my initial contract ends at the start of the next month, and I am keen to stay here but the package offered to me does not meet what I require to stay here. In fact, it's pretty bad. Despite the success, I've been asked to have the same transfer budget as this season and rely on free transfers and loans whilst reducing the wage bill. That could potentially lose us some of our big name players such as Miskimmin and Boyd: who bagged lots of goals in getting us the trophies. It's not a position I want to be in.

This and also being asked to take a reduced wage myself, well you know what I think about that."

When approached, Glentoran chairman Aubry Ralph had this short statement:

"We haven't agreed on a new contract with Mark (Duell) at the moment. My message to our fans is clear: stick by us, we will get this resolved."

It doesn't sound good at the moment but Ralph is confident he can engineer a new deal. However with a number of players out of contract soon, who knows will happen on the playing front. This is a potential disaster Glens need to sort otherwise the good mood will soon evaporate and be replaced by anger.

Ludogorets96

8 years ago

110

27 Jul 2016 06:43:59

Good season ! .. so bad that the offer doesn't meet your requests.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

27 Jul 2016 11:02:31

Yeah it wasn't a bad first season at all @Ludogorets96 - remaining hopeful something can be agreed.

Thanks for the moral support dude

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

27 Jul 2016 18:47:03

Glens release 14

Saturday 31 May 2014

With all the internal turmoil going on at The Oval with the contract breakdowns between the Club and manager Mark Duell, the Club have announced that the following 14 players are now out of contract and free to discuss terms with other teams:

Jonny Addis
Calum Birney
Mark Clarke
Niall Henderson
Aaron Hogg
David Howland
Marcus Kane
Jay Magee
Carl McComb
John McGuigan
Stephen McAlorum
Mark Miskimmin
Jim O'Hanlon
Jordan Stewart

Some huge names in there, namely Mark Miskimmin whose goals help bring the league crown back to East Belfast for the first time in five seasons and the engine room provided by David Howland. Winger Marcus Kane is also included on the list but he and fellow winger David Scullion were both offered new one year deals by the Club before the end of the season. As it is, the Club have no indication that these deals have been accepted or not.

As soon as we have developments we will let you know as we will with the issue that concerns our manager Mark Duell whom we can assure, we are determined to hang on to.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

27 Jul 2016 19:32:28

League Award Winners 2013-14 season

Saturday 31 May 2014

At the Hilton Hotel in central Belfast, the award winners for the 2013-14 season were announced. These were as follows:

Top Goalscorer
The winner is Liam Boyce of Cliftonville, who scored 27 goals in 34 appearances.

http://bestsoccerwallpaper.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/liam-boyce-1-300x211.jpg

"It's a great honour to win this award. I would like to thank Cliftonville, my team mates and of course the brilliant fans we have at Solitude. This one is for you."

Liam Boyce

Young Player of the Year
The winner is 21 year old Ballymena United striker Michael McLellan.

http://www.lfe.org.uk/images/stories/LFE_content/michael-mclellan.jpg

"To be named as the Danske Bank Premier Young Player of the Year is a great privilege. After being released by Portadown I didn't quite know what to do but I would like to thank Ballymena United for believing in me. I'm just speechless."

Michael McLellan

Player of the Year
The winner is 23 year old Glentoran striker Aaron Boyd.

"To be awarded the Danske Bank Premier Player of the Year is a fantastic achievement. I could not have obtained this honour with the encouragement from the superb fans at The Oval, my team mates out there especially Mark Miskimmin who has proved the best strike partner around and also my manager Mark Duell who has given me a chance to show what I am really capable of."

Aaron Boyd

Manager of the Year
The winner is Glentoran manager Mark Duell, who has won 3 out of possible 5 trophies this season. A phenomenal achievement.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award, it really is something special. To follow in the footsteps of Glentoran legends such as Roy Coyle and Tommy Jackson in getting it, makes me so proud. I would like to dedicate this to my late father who never saw me do what I have done here. To my family, my players, our brilliant support and Aubry Ralph: this is definitely as much as a part of you as it is me."

Mark Duell

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

27 Jul 2016 19:59:37

Linfield surprise and Glentoran transfer dealings

Sunday 1 June 2014

The two biggest names in the Danske Bank Premiership have been busy on a Sunday with Linfield landing a shock on us which nobody expected and Glentoran bringing in two new players but losing one of their title winning squad.

Linfield today announced that they have parted company with long standing manager David Jeffrey. The 51 year old became Blues manager in January 1997 after a short spell as assistant manager. He has won the Premiership seven times and the Irish FA Cup four times during his tenure at Windsor, whilst also grabbing the Manager of the Year crown six times. He has overseen one of his worst seasons ever there in 2013-14 finishing a lowly 5th and has mutually agreed to leave the Club with immediate effect.

The outspoken character has had an apparent dispute with Glentoran manager Mark Duell all last season, so it remains interesting to see where this goes off the pitch until Jeffrey feels suited to return to the managerial hotseat. But the question is where?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45272000/jpg/_45272038_david_jeffrey_226.jpg

David Jeffrey: Linfield no more

Meanwhile at the current league champions, manager Mark Duell recruited experience in the form of winger Stephen Carson from Coleraine for a second spell at The Oval and striker Andy Morrow from newly promoted Bangor. However 22 year old central defender Jimmy Callacher has left the club to join Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

There is still no news on Duell's future and speculation believes that the highly rated manager will be leaving after just one season in charge of The Glens.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

27 Jul 2016 20:39:35

Blues name McGlynn as Jeffrey successor
4 June 2014

In what some see as a surprise move, Linfield today announced that John McGlynn will be the new manager of The Blues to succeed David Jeffrey who left by mutual consent on Sunday. The 52 year old Scot has had previous spells in charge of Raith Rovers, Heart of Midlothian and Livingston in his native Scotland and chairman Jim Kerr is confident that he will bring the silverware back to Windsor.

"To find a suitable candidate to succeed a man that is a legend called David Jeffrey is a monumental task and that was what I was faced with on Sunday when David asked to be relinquished of his duties. But in John, I have an experienced man who I know will do Linfield proud and get us back on the right road. We had a very disappointing season last year, this is not going to happen again. John is the best manager in the league, nobody comes close I'm afraid."

The Scot is under no illusions that the pressure is on but is confident he can deliver to the Blues:

"I'm very pleased that I have landed on my feet here at Linfield so to speak. I believe in my own confidence and I just want to get down to work here. When it comes to pressure I know I can handle it, sometimes it's a good thing to work with: it kind of gives you that extra buzz. Linfield had a disappointing campaign last season, it's up to me to change that and make this club the dominant force that it has been for a number of years."

Grimnir

16 years ago

5 months ago

2,727

27 Jul 2016 20:46:41

What's with that shirt and tie combo?!

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

27 Jul 2016 20:51:39

Just to be the different I guess @Suffolk Seasider .
Hope you're enjoying the updates as much as I'm writing them.

Grimnir

16 years ago

5 months ago

2,727

27 Jul 2016 20:52:33

Other than that brief second when I went blind, yes

Shedender

18 years ago

2 months ago

13,751

28 Jul 2016 04:12:45

Take it Jordan Stewart had no interest in renewing his contract @HockeyBhoy? If not, quite surprised you let him go.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 07:58:37

He wasn't interested @Shedender to be honest. But since he's a free agent, I might try and entice him back to The Oval.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 18:23:03

Wingers sign new Glens contracts

Saturday 7 June 2014

Despite the uncertainty, Glentoran received a huge boost when two of last season's treble winning squad signed new one year deals at The Oval. Penning the contracts are wingers David Scullion and Marcus Kane. 30 year old David rejoined the Club last summer after a three year spell at Coleraine, and is an experienced campaigner throughout. Marcus, 22, was released by Linfield in 2012 after making just 8 appearances for the Blues and last season enjoyed his best ever season in a Glens shirt: hitting double figures in terms of goals.

Both players are delighted to sign their new deals.

"Before the season was ending, Mark (Duell) spoke to me about signing a new one year deal. I was thoroughly enjoying my football and the manager constantly backed my performances. It's nice to feel wanted, and even though I took my time to sign this new deal: there was only one decision to make. I can now look forward to the new season with personal security firmly behind me. It's not a boost for me, it's one for my family. We're as one, very happy indeed." David told Glens TV.

Fellow winger Kane is also equally delighted: "I'm so so happy to pen this new one year contract I tell you. I had the best season of my life last season and had never scored as many goals as did. I think I must have been back in school when I had a season like that. However Mark (Duell) has taken my game to a new level and I feel like I can improve my game even more. Who knows if they might note at internationals? Would be nice if that happened. I just can't wait to get started with the Champions League qualifiers, that is huge. Bring it on."

Manager Mark Duell is very pleased to have two of his title winners back:

"I'm very pleased to have both David (Scullion) and Marcus (Kane) back next season at The Oval. Both are excellent wingers and play the game as it should be. David is a naturally two-footed player and can play on either flank, he's an absolute asset to Glentoran and his form towards the end of the season was fantastic, he fully deserves what he has signed today. Marcus is younger than David but last season was an absolute revelation, scoring and creating goals.That's why we offered him the new deal before the Cup Final and I'm pleased he chose to accept. Both lads know though they can't rest on their laurels and will need to up their skills even more. The bar is set, now go over it.

I've also been in talks with a new goalkeeper for a number of weeks. Discussions are ongoing, I remain hopeful that something can be concluded. He will be an asset if we get him."

However on the subject of his new deal, the manager refused to comment.

http://glentoran.com/sites/default/files/styles/playerprofile/public/profilepics/7%20Scullion%20H.JPG?itok=_ybwpCv4

http://glentoran.com/sites/default/files/styles/playerprofile/public/profilepics/3%20Kane%20H.JPG?itok=Xs6rB0kT

Re-signings today: David Scullion and Marcus Kane

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 18:45:00

Glens capture Devlin

Monday 16 June 2014

There's a new face in town, and he's coming to make an impression. Joining Glentoran today is 22 year old goalkeeper Conor Devlin from Cliftonville for whom he made 11 appearances last season. The 6'1 stopper is relishing the new challenge awaiting him here at The Oval and working alongside Glens legend Elliott Morris.

"Words cannot describe how happy I feel to join Glentoran." Conor told Glens TV. "I'm so over the moon it has to be said and it's a thrill to be here. I didn't get much chances at Solitude last season after being first choice the season before and that was down to the fact that the team chose Ryan (Brown) instead. But I'm not bitter, I just get on with things. However, Mark (Duell) talked to my agent towards the end of the season about coming here. Talks bounced back to and fro and look, I'm here. I am now part of this illustrious team.

Obviously the lure of possibly playing in Europe is an immense draw but working alongside a legend in Elliot Morris is equally amazing. Elliot has been part of this club for a long time and is a great goalkeeper. I can only learn from him and get better than ever. He's going to have a battle for the number one jersey though. Seriously, I'm so thrilled."

Manager Mark Duell is pleased with his new face:

"I am very happy to bring Conor to The Oval. He's a tremendous prospect that we have been talking to for ages and I am very pleased to get this deal done. Although he's only 22, the guy screams experience and knowledge. He has a presence and I am sure he will push hard for the starters slot in between the sticks. Conor started his career at Manchester United where he will have seen the legendary Edwin Van Der Sar to admire. That is an incredible grounding to have, and that's why he so good. I'm sure that he will prove to be an excellent acquisition and the fans will love him to bits."

New Signing Conor Devlin

Shedender

18 years ago

2 months ago

13,751

28 Jul 2016 18:54:07

Conor Devlin is a top signing, 'grats on getting him at The Oval.

Are you going to sign Nacho Novo now?

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 19:15:03

Calum returns and welcome Jonathan

Monday 23 June 2014

The flurry of transfer activity in East Belfast keeps on coming and we have seen one of last season's squad return and a new young striker rides into town. Penning a new deal is central defender Calum Birney and coming to join the Club is 19 year old striker Jonathan McMurray from Cliftonville. Both have penned one year deals.

"After a summer deliberating what to do and with the issues the Club has apparently had, I'm very pleased to pen this new deal." Calum told Glens TV. "At the start of last season it looked like I wasn't getting any opportunities and I seriously thought about leaving for pastures new. All I asked from Mark (Duell) was a chance to show myself in the team and take from there. He gave me the chance and I never looked back. Now I have my new deal under me, I know I can just kick on so to speak and make myself a better player and win even more honours."

New signing McMurray had to say this on joining the Glens:

"I've very pleased to be a Glentoran player that's for sure. I spoke to Conor (Devlin) who has recently come here and he just told me that I would be treated right and it would be the right move at the early stage of my career. I know I'm not guaranteed a start week in, week out but I am going to work my bag off to get a chance. Speaking to Mark (Duell) Glentoran's the name everyone wants to play for now, and I ain't any exception. I am looking forward to the opportunity that has been given to me."

Mark had this to say about today's transfer dealings:

"First of all it's a huge welcome back to Calum (Birney). He's a young central defender that I gave a chance to in the early part of the season, in fact he banged my door down so many times about it that we had to put new hinges on. But he stepped in and I found it so hard to drop him, he was exceptional. I'm looking forward to seeing him get better this season.

Jonathan (McMurray) is a young striker that our new goalkeeper Conor (Devlin) told me about. He said he's got good pace and poaching skills for a striker and that's what I like to see. He has the potential to go onto better things but that is with good coaching and management. We're looking forward to working with him and make him a much better player."

The Club would like to make known there is a press conference planned for 2:00pm at The Oval which relates to the managerial situation.

Glad to return: Calum Birney

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 19:18:50

Cheers @Shedender on the signing. Nah, I ain't signing Nacho Novo, not because I don't want (I'm not his greatest fan obviously because of a certain team he played for) but because:

1. He's valued at £125,000
2. We can't afford that.

So unless someone comes with a bid for one of our players worth £500,000 then it's a no starter.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 19:43:01

Duell agrees new deal and a new signing

Tuesday 24 June 2014

After a month and a half of sheer uncertainty, the managerial crisis is over and it's good news for all Glentoran supporters. Treble winning manager Mark Duell has agreed terms on a new 12 month rolling contract after lots of negotiations and isn't that the best news to come this summer.

Glens TV spoke to the manager on his new deal:

"After much deliberation and plenty of dialogue, sometimes going on late at night, I have now agreed terms on a new contract here at The Oval. It's the only place I want to be at, and the only place that excites me. I've got an increased wage and the club have also provided me with a little cash warchest to spend on players. If there's a player that we want and we can afford him then we will go for him no matter what. That's the philosophy we are going to go down, but we will not bankrupt ourselves to do this.

We have almost agreed terms with a new player and hope to unveil him at the end of the week; that also being the date we find out Champions League qualifiying round opponents. However, it's a deal that is going to surprise that's all I can say. Now I'm off to Malahide for a few days with my family."

Chairman Aubry Ralph had this to say:

"I said be patient, and we got the conclusion. I have gladly shook hands with Mark on his new deal. It's a deal that took weeks to engineer and approve but the right decision shines through. We are pleased to reward him with a new rolling contract and hope he leads the Club to more success."

The exact terms and financial spending power were not disclosed.

The Club have also announced the signing of 20 year old Peter Duffin from Ballymena United on a one year deal. Duffin can play as a striker or as a right wing and surely adds to the options that Duell has at his disposal. He is the sixth new face to arrive this summer.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

28 Jul 2016 20:09:21

Manchester United test for Glentoran

Friday 27 June 2014

At UEFA headquarters this morning, the draw for the first qualifying round of this season's Champions League was made. This is way before all the big guns come into play in September. Attending the draw which was conducted by former French internationalist and Fulham manager Jean Tigana and coach of current holders Juventus FC of Italy Antonio Conte, were representatives from Welsh Premier League champions TNS and Danske Bank Premier champions Glentoran. The four ties which came out of the hat at this stage were as follows:

Manchester United v GLENTORAN
JK Nömme Kalju v EB Streymur
Shirak Gyumri v FC Lusitans
Tre Penne v TNS

Glens fans will probably think great that they have got themselves a plum draw, but that's where the dream ends. For the Manchester United they will be seeing in action at The Oval is not the English Premiership giants but a semi-professional side that shares the same name; but based in Gibraltar. They (Glentoran) will be fully expected to make the second qualifying round draw which will be made on Friday 11 July.

Glentoran Director of Football Roy Coyle had this to say:

"Well we drew Manchester United but it's not that glamorous as our fans might think it does. They are a team based in Gibraltar and this will see Glentoran break new ground in the Club's history. Never have we played a game there before so it's an interesting experience ahead. We will treat them with the respect they deserve but will obviously be looking to progress to the next stage. I am sure Mark (Duell) will have the team ready for what promises to be a ground breaking game in the history of football in Glbraltar."

All games will have their first legs played on 2 July 2016 with the return legs played a week later

.

HockeyBhoy

9 years ago

39 minutes ago

1,177

Premium

29 Jul 2016 19:07:56

Glens pounce for Mulgrew in shock move

Friday 27 June 2014

Glentoran manager Mark Duell is always ready to pull a rabbit out of his proverbial hat and surprise many with an announcement. We only have to look back 11 days when he unveiled Conor Devlin here at The Oval, now today he has announced the signing of former Linfield workhorse Jamie Mulgrew: a transfer that nobody expected to see happen.

Mulgrew is a Blue through and through, but somehow the Glens manager has managed to secure the services of this twice capped 28 year old internationalist who will help form a new look central midfield partnership this season. It's a sensational capture that is a major boost to us but a blow to Linfield and their newly appointed manager John McGlynn.

This will be Mulgrew's second spell at The Oval, where he made just a single appearance in 2004-05 before moving south to join the Blues. Obviously Mark is delighted with his latest acquisition to the ranks:

"Throughout last season I saw a lot of the other teams and which players made those sides tick, and one of the players that shone like a beacon in the Linfield team was Jamie. He can pass, has a tremendous first touch and can dictate a game so it benefits his team immensely. The fact he has won four Championships tells its own story, you don't win them without being a major player in the side. He is only 28 and has his best years in front of him. 200 plus games in the top flight is also testament to what a character we have brought here today.

I am sure our fans will forgive him for playing for Linfield, after all a lot of players have swapped between the clubs over the years, and make him so welcome. He's a crucial cog in the future which I am building here."

Mulgrew himself cannot wait to get started:

"I was already thinking to plan a new contract with Linfield when I got the call from Mark and once he spelled his plans out, I thought this is the move for me. As a Linfield player last season, I witnessed first hand on how good Glentoran were being assembled into, and now I'm going to be part of it. The European adventure excites me and I hope I can help the team progress in it.

I have one message for my new club's supporters, give me the same support as you did for your side last season and I'll give you 100% commitment back. The season cannot come quickly enough, I just want to get stuck in and show Mark that his decision to bring me back here is a good one."

Mulgrew has signed a two year deal at The Oval.

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