On Thursday last (23rd May) Glentoran majority shareholder Ali Pour travelled to Belfast to meet representatives of the Glentoran Supporters Union.
The very open and cordial meeting in the Bet McLean Oval Boardroom lasted approximately 90 minutes. Ali was accompanied by the Club Chairman, Supporter Liaison Officer and the Head of Media.
Following the meeting the GSU issued the following statement to its member clubs and to the local media:
Statement on behalf of the Glentoran Supporters Union
The Glentoran Supporters Union met with Ali Shams Pour on Thursday 23rd May. In an open, frank and honest meeting between both parties, all grievances and concerns were raised and all opinions taken on board.
We are delighted with the outcome of what was an extremely positive, successful and informative meeting.
We addressed our concerns about the structures that currently exist within Glentoran, that we were concerned that too many responsibilities were lying at the feet of only a few individuals, with a lack of accountability for decisions which have been made over the past five years which we believe have ultimately led to Glentoran not delivering the success the large amount of Ali’s investment deserves.
Ali acknowledged that too much focus was placed on the men’s first team and not enough fundamental structures were put in place at the club. In order to address this, Ali has informed us that three months ago he began the process of looking to employ a Chief Executive who will oversee all areas of the club, in what will be a review of the current club structures. Interviews have taken place and will continue during the next few months.
Additionally, Ali has agreed that communication from the club has not been good enough during his ownership. He and the current GRC board will immediately act to rectify this, to communicate better with supporters on all areas of the club.
We were given total reassurances that Declan Devine has total control of all football matters at Glentoran Football Club. We are more than happy that a proper due process was followed in the appointment of Declan Devine. We look forward to Declan and his new-look squad leading us into the season ahead.
We have no doubts that Ali Shams Pour wants the same as all Glentoran Supporters and is keen to deliver a success both on and off the pitch. We had many conversations which, at this stage, are not for public disclosure, but are extremely encouraging for our future. We have no doubts about Ali’s commitment to Glentoran and our financial security.
Ali agreed that he will meet with the GSU multiple times per season and has informed us that he will have a more hands on approach moving forward. The lines of communication between Ali and the chairman are now very good and this can only be beneficial.
We hope we have the trust of the wider Glentoran fanbase to have relayed and addressed their concerns and that we have set up a line of communication to our majority shareholder moving forward. Ali made it clear that he too needs our help and we can all work together.
This being said we encourage the wider Glentoran fanbase throw their support behind Declan Devine and his team for the season ahead, that we can rest assured that the issues that have existed within our club are being immediately addressed and we will hopefully once again be supporting a successful Glentoran soon.
Unity is strength and the next 12 months for Glentoran are extremely important for the future of our club.
Glentoran Chairman Colin Jess: “The Board of Glentoran fully shares the sentiment in the GSU statement and understands the concerns expressed by the supporters reps at the meeting. Ali Pour has both publicly and privately welcomed the formation of the Union and feels that regular meetings of this type will help to improve communication and understanding between club and supporters. Every member of the Board fully endorses this approach. This in turn will help club and supporters operate an effective partnership to help the club go forward.
The next 2 years will be massive for Glentoran with further investment in the team allied to our full commitment to delivery of a modern, state of the art Bet McLean Oval through the Northern Ireland Football Fund.
The formation and impact of the GSU shows that our fans can successfully come together in times of adversity. Now we need to utilise that energy from all parties to help the club progress. The club and GSU will work in partnership to help strengthen Glentoran both on and off the pitch.”
Top photo: Ali Pour with GSU representative (left to right); Gareth McKibbin (Dundonald GSC), Michael Wilson, Alastair Greer (both Cookstown GSC) and Matthew Brown (Castlereagh GSC)