Football: Glentoran confirm Stewart return
The attacker has signed a two-year deal at The Oval
Glentoran have confirmed the signing of Jordan Stewart on a two-year contract with the option of a third season.
The 30-year-old forward returns to the The Oval 12 years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most exciting young talents in the Irish Premier League. He becomes Manager Declan Devine's second summer signing, joining Scottish midfielder Liam Burt in East Belfast.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. This is where my football journey began - the club that gave me my first opportunity in senior football and played a huge part in shaping my career. I had a great first spell here, but I’ve returned with even more hunger and a real drive to make an impact," revealed Stewart, who departed Crusaders only last week.
“When I sat down with Declan and Paddy McCourt, their ambition for Glentoran was clear. There’s frustration about missing out on Europe, but an even stronger determination to put that right and that mindset really sold it for me.
“I was keen to get my future sorted early so I can focus on getting back on the pitch and doing what I love," Stewart added.
"I know I’ve got to earn the trust of the Glentoran fans again and the best way to do that is by working hard and letting my football do the talking.”
A former Northern Ireland U19 and U21 international, Stewart made his senior debut for Glentoran at the age of 18 and went on to make 69 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing seven assists before earning a move to Swindon Town in 2015.
Stewart returned home to sign for Linfield in 2017, where he had a hugely successful spell at Windsor Park, where he won multiple titles before a loan deal with Glenavon in 2023.
Mow, the diminutive winger is back where his career started and Manager Declan Devine is delighted to have got his man.
"He’s a Glentoran Academy graduate who burst onto the scene here and has gone on to establish himself as one of the league’s most exciting attacking talents.
“Jordan is a serial winner with top-level experience, but he still has so much to offer. He brings creativity, unpredictability and real quality in the final third," Devine feels.
“We knew we needed to add more attacking spark, and that’s why we moved quickly to get him in. He’ll be a key part of a creative unit we believe can unlock defences and deliver more goals and assists.
“We’re thrilled to have him back. He’s fully committed to the challenge ahead and I look forward to seeing him score goals, create chances and get the fans off their seats with his attacking play.”