With everyone away from the Oval for an undetermined period, we have decided to bring Glentoran supporters some of the most compelling content from the multi award winning Glentoran Gazette. We hope you will enjoy the stories and player interviews we bring and that it will encourage you to buy a Gazette at our home matches when football returns. Many thanks to the Glentoran Supporters Committee (1923) for use of this material. The third of our three series, "250 Club" series will consist of interviews with current squad members with Eddy Patrick this season.
Jason Hill
327 appearances 16 goals
You spent many years at The Oval accumulating 327 appearances in two spells. What about your early days at the Oval?
My early days were great. Billy Spence, sadly no longer with us, brought me to Glentoran when I was 16. I owe my Glentoran career to him. He mentored me throughout my football years, a friend first, a gentleman and true legend. I played for his son John at U16s, then went onto play for Davy Taylor at U18s and Geordie Bowden and Johnny Jamison in a great Seconds team. Philip Stevenson was also helping out with the seconds back then.
Then you came back and ended up as a left back after years of playing as a striker. I’m sure that was a shock to you how your career took that turn?
Yes it was a shock but probably the best thing that happened for my Glentoran career. I remember my first game at left back was away to Glenavon when Windy pulled me in the car-park asking would I do job for him there. I didn’t have time to think about it and went and did well. The next game when I played left back, we played Drogheda in the Setanta Cup and I got sent off after 20 minutes!
You had a good relationship with Paul Millar back then. What are your thoughts on what he’s doing at the Glens now?
Yes, I had great relationship with Windy. His man management was great and I still have great relationship with him. I think what he and Mick are doing is fantastic. It’s good to see the top players wanting to go to Glentoran again after so many dark years, hopefully the start of us winning leagues again on a regular basis.
Favourite goal and most the important you ever scored for the Glens?
The most important goal was my goal in the semi-final of the Setanta Cup in Drogheda. I remember playing centre midfield that night cutting in from left and hitting it with my right foot. I think that was only ever goal I scored with my right. We ended up down to nine men; Leeper and I were sent off. My favourite goal has to be the winning penalty against Linfield in CIS Cup semi-final.
You were known to be a hard worker for the team, but who was your toughest opponent?
It has to be Jim Ervin. We had great battles, but away from football he’s a top guy.
You wore your heart on your sleeve. How much does the club mean to you?
Glentoran means everything to me, it’s like a second family. No matter who I’m helping out in football Glentoran is always in my heart. It’s shaped me as the person I am today.
You coached at reserve level at the Oval. What was that experience like and are you still involved or have ambition to do so in the future?
Yes, I managed the U20s and enjoyed learning the management side of things. It was frustrating at times, but I loved seeing young lads doing well and getting their chance in the first team. I also enjoyed helping Gary Hamilton and Windy at Glenavon for a while. I helped with the first team when needed but managed the U18s again, helping young lads trying to break into first team. I also helped George O’Boyle and Big Mac out at the Welders until recently.
Funniest thing that’s ever happened in the changing room or pitch?
I was on bench away in Finland and Sean Holmes hit free kick and I thought it was a goal. I jumped up, hit my head on the dugout and split it open; I was just about to go on. All the players on bench was wetting themselves and even Roy Coyle was laughing. Good thing was we went through that night
Aside from the actual football what do you miss most about playing for Glentoran?
I miss the people and fans; I made so many good friends. The crack in the changing room and the trips in Europe were special.
Do you ever get down the Oval to watch the odd game now?
I’ve been down few times this season but since I’m not involved in football, I’ll be back a lot more.
If you could relive one moment in a Glentoran shirt which moment would it be?
There were so many good moments, but it has to be winning the Irish cup against Cliftonville. They were flying, going for the treble, we were in financial difficulty and nobody give us chance. I remember we were 1-0 down at half time going into changing room knowing we were going to win that game. It was meant to be and the only trophy that I hadn’t won for Glentoran.
You had a great relationship with the fans, how do you feel about them and that era?
I owe the fans everything and would like to say a big thank you to them. When I retired, I nearly joined another team, terms where agreed was on my way to sign but just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t imagine running out at the Oval not wearing Glens top.
