Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that Club Captain Marcus Kane has signed a new one-year contract, extending his stay at The BetMcLean Oval through the 2026/27 season.

One of the most influential and respected figures in the Club’s modern history, Kane will now enter a remarkable 15th season in Glentoran colours, further extending a career that has established him among the Club’s greatest modern-day servants.

Since arriving in East Belfast in the summer of 2012, the defender has become synonymous with the Club, making more than 470 appearances and scoring 40 goals while establishing himself as a leader both on and off the pitch.

A three-time Irish Cup winner, Kane has captained the Glens for the past ten seasons and famously lifted the trophy as captain in 2020.

During the 2025/26 campaign, Kane once again demonstrated his importance to Declan Devine’s side, making 30 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and helping the Club secure qualification for European football.

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international continues to play a pivotal role both on and off the pitch and remains one of the most influential figures within the Glentoran dressing room.

Speaking after signing his new contract, Marcus Kane said: “I’m delighted to be staying at Glentoran for another season.

“This football club has been a huge part of my life for almost 14 years and it’s difficult to put into words just how much it means to me.

“I’ve experienced some incredible moments here, built friendships that will last a lifetime and had the privilege of captaining a club that I care deeply about.

“When you’ve been somewhere as long as I have, you build a real connection with the supporters, the people around the club and the wider Glentoran family. It’s a place that means a great deal to me and I’m incredibly proud to continue representing it.

I was pleased with how last season went on a personal level and I still feel I have plenty to offer both on and off the pitch.

“Pre-season has gone well so far, I’m feeling fit and strong, and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“We’ve got a good group of players, a lot of quality within the squad and everyone is focused on doing everything possible to make next season a successful one.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Marcus is a hugely important player and person at this football club and I’m delighted that he’ll be with us for another season.

“When people talk about Marcus, they often focus on the number of appearances he’s made or the years he’s given to the club, but what stands out to me is the standards he sets every single day.

“He is an outstanding professional, a fantastic leader and someone who genuinely cares about Glentoran. The example he sets around the training ground and in the dressing room is invaluable, particularly for our younger players.

“I thought Marcus had a very strong season last year. He showed once again that he can still perform at a very high level and his experience, leadership and quality remain hugely important to this football club.

“Every successful team needs strong characters and leaders and Marcus is the perfect example of that. He has earned enormous respect throughout the game and I’m delighted he’ll continue to captain this football club into the new season.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “Marcus thoroughly deserved this new contract. His performances last season showed exactly why he remains such an important player for Glentoran Football Club.

“When people talk about Marcus, they rightly focus on his leadership and what he brings as captain, but he’s also still performing at a very high level on the pitch. His consistency, professionalism and desire to win continue to set the standard for everyone around him.

“Over the course of almost 14 years, Marcus has given tremendous service to this football club and has earned enormous respect throughout the game. What stands out to me is that he remains as committed as ever to helping Glentoran be successful.

“Players with Marcus’ character, experience and connection to a football club are increasingly rare. He is a leader within our dressing room, a role model for younger players and someone who understands exactly what it means to represent Glentoran.

“We’re delighted that he’ll continue to play a key role both on and off the pitch as we look to build on last season and continue moving this football club forward.”