Glentoran Football Club has announced that exciting young winger Jude Johnson has signed a new two-year contract at the BetMcLean Oval.

A product of the club’s Academy, the 18-year-old Johnson made his senior debut for the Glens against Cliftonville in February 2025 and was included in several first-team squads throughout last season.

Johnson was also instrumental in Glentoran Colts’ historic Harry Cavan Youth Cup triumph in April, scoring in the final as the side lifted the trophy for the first time in 30 years with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Linfield.

The Northern Ireland U17 International is a graduate of the JD Irish FA Academy (2021–2023) and joined the Glentoran Academy at 11 years-old. He was part of the Glentoran Academy’s 2006s team that won the prestigious Budget Energy SuperCupNI in 2019.

Jude Johnson said: “Glentoran means everything to me and I’m incredibly proud to sign this contract. I’ve been with the club since I was a kid and always dreamed of breaking into the first team.

“Making my debut last season was a moment I’ll never forget, but now I want to come back strong in pre-season, earn minutes in the friendlies and build a platform to push for more first-team football when the season kicks off.

“Training with the senior squad last year was brilliant. I learned so much from the players and coaches and I genuinely feel my game has developed, especially adapting to the intensity and pace of the senior level. Paddy [McCourt] has been fantastic with me and there’s no better winger to learn from.

“Declan has also been class with me. He trusts young players, gives us confidence, and you only have to look at how many minutes James Douglas played last season to see he’s not afraid to give youth a chance.

“Now it’s about staying focused, working hard every day and proving I’m ready. I want to make an impact and earn the right to represent this club at senior level.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Jude is a fantastic young talent with real potential. He’s got that fearless energy you want in a wide player – direct, quick and always looking to create chances or score goals.

“He’s impressed us in training, made his senior debut and delivered on the big stage in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final. But what really stands out is his attitude. He wants to learn, listens to his coaches and gives everything he has every single day.

“This new contract reflects the belief we have in his future. We’ve placed a real emphasis on building a squad that blends quality with youth and Jude is part of an exciting group coming through. I’m looking forward to seeing just how far he can go.”

Johnson becomes the second player to commit his future to Glentoran this week, following a new deal for midfielder Josh Kelly as the club steps up preparations for next season.

Paul Millar, Glentoran’s Sporting Director added: “Jude has been outstanding throughout his time in our Academy, and this contract is both a reward for his development and recognition of his readiness to feature in our first-team plans for the season ahead.

“He’s shown he can handle the step up, both in terms of training with the first team and delivering an outstanding performance in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final. There’s a clear pathway here for our best young players and Jude is a perfect example of that.

“We’re delighted to have him commit to the club and we’ll continue to support his development as he pushes towards becoming a regular in the first team squad and earning minutes on the pitch.”