Joe Burns and Beth Stafford’s cover graphic of January player of the month Rhys Marshall is the lead image of a Glentoran Gazette which not only highlights the value of the local game to the Northern Ireland economy but also the work of Assemblyman Alan Chambers fighting for the release of the long-promised funding for NIFL grounds. Bobby Burns tells of the day he was told by a Belfast surgeon that his playing career could be over while our writers look at the importance of winning the Irish Premiership and the reasoning behind recent pronouncements on the behaviour of fans. Mick McDermott gives the reasons behind the moves of Mal Smith and Andrew Mitchell and looks forward to tonight’s game, a match for which Jamie Megarry says Linfield have been boosted by a midweek win over Larne. Brian McClelland concludes the rise and fall (and rise again) of former Glens player Sammy Chapman as well as revealing more of his personal Glentoran treasures; Roy Downes tells of Glentoran’s first English trip and Henry Muldrew looks at how society views football supporters. Meanwhile Norman Ternahan and Tommy Sewell review all the latest games in words and pictures. The Gazette, by the fans for the fans, is still only £3.
