Glentoran Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin from Coleraine for an undisclosed fee, with Joe Thomson joining the Bannsiders on a permanent transfer as part of the agreement.

The 31-year-old attacker has signed a long-term contract at The BetMcLean Oval and returns to the Club for a third spell.

McMenamin produced some of the finest football of his career during his previous time in East Belfast, establishing himself as one of the outstanding attacking players in the Irish Premiership.

Across his two previous spells with the Glens, McMenamin scored 43 goals in 114 appearances after initially joining the Club in 2015 and later returning from Cliftonville in January 2021.

His performances for the Glens earned him senior international recognition with Northern Ireland before he completed a move to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren in July 2023.

McMenamin spent three seasons in Paisley, making 77 appearances and scoring six goals as St Mirren secured consecutive top-six finishes in the Scottish Premiership.

He also lifted major silverware last season, starting as the Buddies defeated Celtic 3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup final.

The Downpatrick-born attacker returned to the Irish Premiership with Coleraine in June and made his competitive debut against HJK Helsinki in the UEFA Conference League the following month.

Capped 14 times by Northern Ireland, McMenamin scored his first senior international goal against San Marino during UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying in October 2023.

Comfortable operating from either flank or through central attacking areas, he now returns to Glentoran with proven quality, creativity and extensive experience at domestic, European and international level.

Speaking after completing his return, Conor McMenamin said: “Everything has happened really quickly, but once I knew there was an opportunity to return to Glentoran, I was delighted to take it.

“This Club means a great deal to me and walking back into The BetMcLean Oval feels like coming home. I always had a strong connection with the supporters. They were excellent with me and I know how much the Club means to them.

“I played some of the best football of my career here, earned my first Northern Ireland call-up and secured a move to Scotland. My three years with St Mirren were hugely important and I return as a better and more experienced player.

“This is not about looking back at what I achieved here before. I still have plenty that I want to accomplish.

“I didn’t win the league during my previous time at Glentoran and that is something I want to change. At a club of this size, the ambition and expectation have to be to challenge for the title and win silverware.

“My focus now is on getting down to work, playing my football and repaying the faith Ali, Paul and Declan have shown in bringing me back.

“I understand the expectations that come with wearing this shirt and I’m ready to embrace them again. I cannot wait to play in front of the Glentoran supporters at the Oval.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Conor is a proven match-winner and we are delighted to bring him back to Glentoran.

“His qualities are well known to our supporters. He is direct, carries the ball extremely well and has the ability to create and score goals. He can produce something from nothing and affect matches in the moments that matter.

“Conor is comfortable operating from either side or through the middle, so his arrival gives us greater flexibility and competition across the frontline.

“My conversations with him have been extremely positive. He is hungry, highly motivated and determined to be successful. He did not hesitate when the opportunity to return arose and that desire to play for Glentoran was important to us.

“This is a significant signing for the Club and one that strengthens us immediately. We believe Conor can make a major contribution and I am looking forward to working with him.”

The 31-year-old becomes Glentoran’s sixth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Zeno Ibsen Rossi, Greg Sloggett, Rhys Walsh, Lekan Sule and Ethan Schilte-Brown. Walsh has subsequently joined Annagh United on loan for the remainder of the season.

Ali Pour, Glentoran Owner, said: “Bringing Conor back to Glentoran is a clear statement of our ambition for the Club.

“He is a Northern Ireland international with a proven record at Glentoran who returns with greater experience and the ability to make a real difference.

“Conor also has a genuine affinity with Glentoran. He understands the Club, our supporters and the expectations that come with representing us.

“Declan and Paul were clear that Conor was a player they wanted and believed could strengthen the team. I was determined to support them and ensure we did everything possible to complete the transfer.

“The expectation at Glentoran is to challenge for the league title and compete for silverware. We believe strongly in the squad already in place, and Conor’s arrival adds further quality, experience and competition.

“I am delighted to welcome Conor and his family back to Glentoran and look forward to seeing him represent the Club once again.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “It is not very often you get the opportunity to sign a Northern Ireland international of Conor’s quality. He has already proven what he can do in the Irish Premiership and has since gone on to prove himself in the Scottish Premiership.

“As soon as we became aware that Conor wanted to return, we worked extremely hard to make it happen. The deal came together quickly over the past few days and I want to thank Ali for providing the further backing required to get it completed. He knows Conor well, understands the quality he brings and was fully supportive of his return.

“Conor was clear from the outset that he wanted to come back. He has a real connection with the Club and our supporters, but he is also returning because he wants to be successful and believes he can help us win trophies.

“He gives Declan another proven attacking option and brings goals, creativity and the ability to make a difference in important matches. We believe he can come into the group and make an immediate impact.

“We are delighted to have Conor back on a long-term contract. It is a major signing for Glentoran and one that should really excite our supporters.”

As McMenamin returns to East Belfast, Thomson moves in the opposite direction after just over 19 months with Glentoran.

The midfielder joined the Glens from Larne in January 2025 and made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut in a 2-1 victory over Loughgall.

In total, Thomson made 47 appearances and scored seven goals for the Club. His memorable strike against Linfield on Boxing Day was subsequently named the 2025/26 NIFL Goal of the Season.

Glentoran Football Club would like to thank Joe for his commitment and contribution throughout his time at The BetMcLean Oval.