Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that Charlie Lindsay has signed a new two-year contract, committing his future to the BetMcLean Oval until the summer of 2027.

A boyhood Glentoran supporter and graduate of the club’s Academy, Lindsay made history in 2019 when he became the youngest-ever outfield player to feature for the first team when he debuted in the County Antrim Shield at just 15 years old.

After earning a move to Scottish giants Rangers and later joining Derby County, the 21-year-old midfielder returned to East Belfast last summer following an initial loan spell with the Glens, during which he scored twice in 10 appearances.

Since making the move permanent last summer, Lindsay has featured 30 times across all competitions, finding the net on five occasions, including a superb strike in the County Antrim Shield Final victory over Larne.

A technically gifted playmaker with strong ties to the club and its supporters, Lindsay is a popular figure at the Bet McLean Oval and is now focused on establishing himself as a key player under manager Declan Devine.

Discussing his new contract, Charlie Lindsay said: “Glentoran has always been my club. I grew up a fan, came through the Academy and to now sign a new deal means everything to me and my family.

“Last season was full of valuable lessons. I didn’t get a full pre-season under my belt and that made it harder to find rhythm and consistency. I didn’t start as many games as I would’ve liked, but this summer is a fresh opportunity. I’m fully focused on getting into the best shape possible and showing the manager and supporters what I can deliver on a consistent basis.

“The backing I’ve had from the Glentoran fans has been incredible. It means a lot and I want to repay that support by making a real impact on the pitch and helping this club win more silverware.

“There’s strong competition in midfield, but I believe in my ability and I’m ready to work hard, earn my place and make a difference. That starts the moment we’re back in for pre-season and I can’t wait to get going again with the lads.

“I’ve complete faith in what Declan and the coaching staff are building here. The structure, the standards, the togetherness. It’s everything you want to be part of as a player. There’s a clear vision for success and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Lindsay – wearing the new Macron training gear to be worn by the first team next season – is pictured with Ali Pour and Declan Devine.

Declan Devine, First Team Manager of Glentoran, said: “Charlie is one of the most naturally gifted young players I’ve worked with. Technically, he’s outstanding. He sees the game a step ahead, can unlock defences with real creativity and has a goal in him, as we saw in the County Antrim Shield Final.

“But more than that, he’s a Glentoran player in every sense. He understands the values of this club, the responsibility that comes with wearing the shirt and what winning and losing means to our supporters.

“He returned from Rangers and Derby with a big reputation, but he’s still only 21. We’ve seen flashes of his quality, but I genuinely believe the best of Charlie Lindsay is still to come. Now it’s about helping him find consistency, because if we can do that, he has everything needed to become one of the top creative midfielders in the Irish League.

“This new deal is a reflection of our belief in his potential and our commitment to helping him fulfil it here at Glentoran.”

Lindsay becomes the latest player to commit to the 2025/26 campaign and beyond, following new deals for Marcus Kane, Josh Kelly, Jude Johnson and Jordan Jenkins as Declan Devine continues to build his squad ahead of the new season.

Paul Millar, Sporting Director of Glentoran, added: “Charlie is one of our own. He is an East Belfast lad with a genuine connection to this football club. When he steps onto the pitch at the BetMcLean Oval, he does so with his family and friends in the stands.

“He knows exactly what it means to wear this shirt and the weight of expectation that comes with it. That is why the fans love him. They see someone who understands what Glentoran is all about.

Charlie has all the ability in the world and the potential to go far. Now it is about bringing everything together. He needs to find consistency and continue working closely with the coaching team to reach the level we all know he is capable of.

“We believe he can play a major role in the future of this club as we continue building a squad that combines proven experience with the very best local talent, with the clear aim of competing for honours every season.”

Lindsay is pictured wearing the new 2025/26 Macron training gear to be worn by the first team next season.