Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that goalkeeper Billy Crellin has signed a long-term contract with the Club.

The 25-year-old initially arrived at The BetMcLean Oval in October 2025 on a deal until the end of the season and quickly established himself as an important member of Declan Devine’s squad.

After making seven appearances last season and playing a key role in the Club’s run to the BetMcLean Cup Final, Crellin has now committed his future to the Glens ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Crellin arrived at The BetMcLean Oval having made more than 50 appearances in the English Football League and represented England at every age group from Under-17 through to Under-20 level.

A graduate of Fleetwood Town’s academy, the goalkeeper gained senior experience through spells with FC United of Manchester, Chorley and Bolton Wanderers before joining his boyhood club Everton in 2022.

During his time on Merseyside, Crellin featured prominently for Everton’s Under-21 side and made 34 League Two appearances while on loan at Accrington Stanley during the 2024/25 campaign.

He was also a member of the England squad that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017.

Speaking after signing his new contract, Billy Crellin said: “I’m delighted to be staying at Glentoran and signing a new contract.

“When I came over last season, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I’ve loved my time here. Both myself and my partner have settled into Belfast really well and it’s somewhere we’ve genuinely enjoyed living.

“Playing for Glentoran has been brilliant. The supporters have been excellent with me from day one and it didn’t take long to realise how much this football club means to people.

“I really enjoyed my football when I got the opportunity to play last season and I felt I showed that I can more than handle this league. I enjoyed the challenge and every game only made me want to play more.

“Like every player, I wanted to be playing more games. But that’s football. All you can do is keep working hard, keep improving and make sure you’re ready whenever you’re called upon.

“My aim now is to keep pushing, earn a regular place in the team and do everything I can to help the club be successful.

“I’m ambitious, I want to play games and that’s a big part of why I wanted to stay. I’m really excited about what the future holds and can’t wait to get going again.”

Crellin becomes the second senior player to sign a new contract with Glentoran this summer, following Club Captain Marcus Kane’s recent extension.

His new deal comes as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign, with Declan Devine’s side set to begin their UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign early next month.

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “We’re delighted Billy has committed his future to the football club.

“When Billy came in last season, he made an immediate impact. Whenever he was called upon, he showed his quality and demonstrated exactly why he has such a strong background in the game.

“What impressed me most was his mentality. There were periods when opportunities were limited, but his attitude never changed. He trained properly every day, worked hard and remained fully committed to the group. That says a lot about his character and professionalism.

“We have big ambitions for the season ahead and to be successful you need quality, competition and strength throughout your squad. Billy is an important part of that.

“We want strong senior goalkeepers who push each other every day and drive standards across the group. Billy has shown he has the quality, mentality and professionalism to thrive in that environment.

“He fully deserves this new contract and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to develop, challenge for opportunities and make a significant contribution for Glentoran over the seasons ahead.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “We’re delighted Billy will be staying with us. When we brought him in last season, we believed he had the qualities to make a real impact at Glentoran and I think he showed that whenever he was given an opportunity.

“He came into the club at the end of October, handled every challenge put in front of him and showed that he has the ability and temperament to play for Glentoran.”

“What is particularly exciting is that, while Billy already has a very strong footballing background and valuable experience from his time in the English game, he’s still only 25.
For a goalkeeper, that’s very young and we believe his best years are still ahead of him.

“He has the experience and quality to push for a place in the team, but equally he has the potential to continue improving and developing over the coming years.

“We want strong competition throughout the squad and securing Billy’s future gives us further strength in a key position. We’re delighted he has chosen to continue his journey with Glentoran.”