Football Show: Mick McDermott on Glentoran's plans, and what next for Rodney McAree?

This week on our Bet McLean Football Show, we sat down in the home changing room of the Oval to speak to Glentoran manager Mick McDermott, and former Dungannon Swifts and Coleraine manager Rodney McAree.

McDermott lays down the scope of the project that was set in motion with the takeover this year, and also talks about the controversial departures of Paul Leeman and Gary Smyth.

"We knew there was doubt, fear, and anger among groups of fans because Paul and Gary had moved on.

"They are still legends of the club and both of them are welcome back here at any time. We're trying to arrange some Legends events for the near future here," said McDermott.

The manager, who has worked extensively in the USA and the Middle East, believes the Irish League is on the rise, and wants to see Glentoran return to competing at the right end of the table.

"I've always thought that the product on the pitch could be a bit better. I'm not saying I'm here to make that change, but I think there's potential for this league to be better than it is now, and I think it's outstanding at the moment. It's going to be a brilliant season," said McDermott.

However, McDermott has refused to set a target in terms of a specific finish within the table.

"I think if you don't get them targets then you're saying, 'we failed.' Our main objective this year is to be competitive.

"Doesn't matter if we're playing Ballymena, Coleraine, Linfield, Crusaders, whether it's home or away, they know they're in for a hell of a match," said McDermott.