Glentoran Football Club is delighted to confirm the return of Academy graduate Jordan Stewart, who has signed a two-year contract with the option of a third season.
The 30-year-old forward – renowned for his creativity, flair and match-winning ability – returns to the BetMcLean Oval 12 years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most exciting young talents in the Irish Premier League.
Stewart becomes Glentoran’s second summer signing ahead of the 2025/26 Sports Direct Premiership campaign, joining influential Scottish midfielder Liam Burt as manager Declan Devine continues to shape his squad for next season.
A former Northern Ireland U19 and U21 international, Stewart made his senior debut for Glentoran at the age of 18 and went on to make 83 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists before earning a move to Swindon Town in 2015.
Discussing his move back to Glentoran, Jordan Stewart, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. This is where my football journey began – the club that gave me my first opportunity in senior football and played a huge part in shaping my career. I had a great first spell here, but I’ve returned with even more hunger and a real drive to make an impact.
“When I sat down with Declan and Paddy McCourt, their ambition for Glentoran was clear. There’s frustration about missing out on Europe, but an even stronger determination to put that right and that mindset really sold it for me.
“I was keen to get my future sorted early so I can focus on getting back on the pitch and doing what I love. I know I’ve got to earn the trust of the Glentoran fans again and the best way to do that is by working hard and letting my football do the talking.”
Speaking about signing Jordan Stewart, First Team Manager Declan Devine said: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Jordan Stewart back to Glentoran. He’s a Glentoran Academy graduate who burst onto the scene here and has gone on to establish himself as one of the league’s most exciting attacking talents.
“Jordan is a serial winner with top-level experience, but he still has so much to offer. He brings creativity, unpredictability and real quality in the final third.
“We knew we needed to add more attacking spark, and that’s why we moved quickly to get him in. He’ll be a key part of a creative unit we believe can unlock defences and deliver more goals and assists.
“We’re thrilled to have him back. He’s fully committed to the challenge ahead and I look forward to seeing him score goals, create chances and get the fans off their seats with his attacking play.”
The signings of Liam Burt and Jordan Stewart represent a clear statement of intent as Declan Devine continues to shape his squad following his first full season in charge – a campaign that delivered the County Antrim Shield and ended the club’s five-year wait for silverware
Paul Millar, Sporting Director at Glentoran, said:”We’re absolutely delighted to get the deal done for Jordan. He’s a standout player, a proven winner and someone who knows exactly what this club is all about.
“From our first conversation, it was clear how fired up he is to pull on the Glentoran shirt again and ultimately help deliver silverware.
“He was hugely impressed with the vision Declan laid out and is already itching to get back into pre-season. We faced strong competition for his signature, which speaks volumes about both his quality and the ambition we’re showing as a club.
“When a player of Jordan’s calibre became available, our owner Ali Pour gave his full backing to make the deal happen. This is another important signing that strengthens the squad and reflects our determination to compete for major honours.”