Takeover ushers in new era for Glentoran

Glentoran have begun the transition into becoming fully professional after the completion of a takeover by a UK-based consortium.

In May, the proposed takeover was met with 96% approval by the club shareholders voting at an EGM.

"Things are confirmed, and moving forwards the way we expected. Now it's time to start delegating and bringing people in to fill roles. That's on the playing side, coaching side, admin side, all sides. We need to try to move this towards a full-time club," said manager Mick McDermott.

As part of the consortium now in control at the Oval, McDermott is expected to move away from managerial duties, and take on a senior role within the club.

He outlined the club's long-term vision of becoming fully professional within the next 5 years; the first steps involve moving on from the traditional Irish League model of training 2 days a week.

"It doesn't matter where these additional days of training are, whether they're mornings, afternoons. We need the players to look at themselves differently. 'I'm a school teacher, and a footballer.' No, the mindset has to be, I'm a footballer," said McDermott.

Chairman Stephen Henderson added: “We are pleased to finally complete this investment deal and welcome the many opportunities it will afford Glentoran to firmly re-establish itself as a competitive club at the top end of the table and challenging for trophies."