Glentoran Gazette contributor and former editor, John Grayden, first saw the Glens play in May, 1959. In this new series he picks imaginary sides from throughout the years in a random selection of categories. A few are factual while most are subjective and by no means definitive. While he has seen the majority of players in action, a few from other eras are included because of their contributions to the club’s history.
NORTHERN IRELAND U21 INTERNATIONALS
4-4-2 formation
Goalkeeper: ELLIOT MORRIS
His renowned reflex saves have saved the Glens plenty of points since his debut in 2002. He has played more games than any other Glentoran goalkeeper and now stands second on the all-time appearance list.
Right back: COLIN NIXON
Superb, adaptable defender who read the game brilliantly shutting out opponents with ease and galloping forward to create chances in attack. Glentoran all-time appearance holder who scored an incredible number of goals for a full back.
Centre back: JOHN DEVINE
Warrior central defender who not only captianed Glentoran but gained a full international cap for Northern Ireland.
Centre back: SEAN WARD
One of the quickest players ever to grace the Oval turf, he played a host of games at full back but probably had his best spell in the centre of defence under Scot Young’s management.
Left back: MARCUS KANE
One of the modern day players who is well on his way to being a Glentoran legend. A highly consistent defender or midfielder who rarely has a bad game and now just shy of 300 apearances for the club.
Right midfield: JUSTIN McBRIDE
Scored more than 130 in over 300 appearances for the Glens in a ten-year career in the 1990s before a controversial move to Linfield.
Centre midfield: VICTOR MORELAND
a fabulous footballer whose qualities were not always appreciated by fans. He shielded defences with his easy style, an attribute that led to a professional career in England and the United States as well as full international appearances for Northern Ireland.
Centre midfield: CHRIS GALLAGHER
A current fans’ favourite with his non-stop movement and reading of the game.
Left midfield: GAVIN MELAUGH
Busy left-side player who played in central midfield, on the wing and at full back in more than 100 appearances for the Glens after his return from England.
Striker: STUART ELLIOT
Tall, rangy and fast, Stuart had all the attributes to make football into a career. After more than 160 games for the Glens he made the move into Scottish football with Motherwell and then starred for Hull City and Hamilton before coming back to the Glens for a final hurrah in 2012. He was equally adept on the left wing or through the middle.
Striker: PAUL O’NEILL
Another of the Glens current young guns and something of a goal machine. Fast and direct and getting stronger every game he plays.
Substitutes:
NATHAN KERR
A full back or wing back who joined the Glens from Stevenage. Nathan is currently recovering from a bad injury at the end of the 2018/19 season.
MICHAEL FERGUSON
Local boy who was a contemporary of Stuart Elliot and who won every honour in the game playing at left back before losing his place to Mark Glendinning and moving on to Lisburn Distillery.