Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of influential midfielder Joe Thomson from Larne for an undisclosed fee. The highly regarded former Scotland Under-21 international has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the BetMcLean Oval, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2026/27 season. The 28-year-old Thomson becomes the Glens’ fourth singing of the January transfer window, joining Christie Pattisson, Shane McEleney, and Ciarán Coll in East Belfast. Fresh from their dramatic County Antrim Shield win, a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Larne, Glentoran has further strengthened its midfield with the addition of Thomson. With crucial league fixtures coming up, alongside a Clearer Water Irish Cup encounter against Linfield later this month and a BetMcLean Cup Final showdown against Cliftonville in March, Thomson’s arrival provides a timely boost as Glentoran aim to secure further silverware and European qualification. A product of Celtic’s academy, Thomson enjoyed loan spells at Dumbarton, Livingston and Queen of the South before establishing himself as a standout midfielder at Dunfermline Athletic and later Derry City, where he played under Declan Devine. Thomson joined Larne in January 2023 and played a pivotal role in the club’s consecutive title-winning campaigns and UEFA Conference League qualification. During his time at Inver Park, he registered 15 goals in 88 appearances, including a decisive strike in this summer’s Champions League qualifier against HJK. Speaking about signing for Glentoran, Joe Thomson said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Glentoran. I’ve always enjoyed playing at the BetMcLean Oval, the atmosphere here is second to none. As an opposition player, it was always a challenge, and I can’t wait to experience that incredible support as a home player. “I’ve been hugely impressed with how Declan Devine and his coaching staff have built such a strong, competitive squad in such a short time. The style of football they play suits me perfectly, and after meeting the team, I can sense a real buzz, professionalism and ambition throughout the club. I’m excited to get started and contribute to the team’s success. “Having worked with Declan at Derry City, I know the high standards he sets and the vision he has for Glentoran. I’m determined to help the team push forward, compete for more silverware, and hopefully bring league titles and European football back to this club. “To the fans, I can’t wait to pull on the Glentoran jersey, give everything I have on the pitch, and play my part in bringing more success to the club.” Declan Devine, Manager of Glentoran said: “I’m thrilled to finally bring Joe Thomson to Glentoran. He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and worked with previously at Derry City. Joe is a proven performer with significant domestic and European experience. His blend of quality, tenacity and creativity makes him an outstanding box-to-box midfielder capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch. “His arrival bolsters an already competitive midfield group featuring Sule, Singleton, Palmer, Douglas, Lindsay, and Thorndike, adding both depth and quality to a crucial area of the team. His big-game experience and leadership on the pitch will be invaluable as we push for success in the second half of the season. “I’d like to thank Ali Pour for his support and Paul Millar for his hard work in securing this signing. Joe’s addition reflects our ambition to build a squad capable of winning silverware and competing in Europe. I’m looking forward to having him available for this weekend’s match against Loughgall.” Paul Millar, Sporting Director at Glentoran, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Joe Thomson to Glentoran and thank Larne for their professionalism in completing this deal. Joe was a highly sought-after player and securing his signature despite stiff competition is a testament to the ambition of Glentoran. “Joe will not only make an immediate impact but also play a key role in the long-term future of Glentoran. This signing is another step towards building a squad capable of consistently challenging for titles and achieving success across all competitions. “Ali and Declan’s vision is clear: to win leagues, lift trophies, and return a club of Glentoran’s stature to the pinnacle of local football. This is just the start and we will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen the squad and build on the significant progress already made.”