Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that Club Captain Marcus Kane has signed a new 12-month contract, extending his remarkable stay at the BetMcLean Oval into a 14th season.

Since arriving in East Belfast in the summer of 2012, Kane has made 442 appearances and scored 39 goals in Glentoran colours, wearing the captain’s armband for the past eight seasons.

A modern-day club legend, Kane has lifted the Irish Cup on three occasions – in 2013, 2015, and most memorably as captain in 2020, firmly etching his name into Glentoran’s history books.

The 33-year-old central defender bounced back from an injury-disrupted 2022/23 campaign to make 35 appearances across all competitions last season, producing a string of commanding performances at the heart of the Glens’ defence.

Discussing his new contract, Marcus Kane said: “I’m delighted to sign on for another year. I love this club and I’m Glentoran through and through. As long as the club wants me, I’ll be here giving everything I’ve got.

“I was really pleased to make 35 appearances and contribute consistently last season. Missing the County Antrim Shield final was tough, but I was proud of the lads for getting the job done and delivering our first trophy in five years.

“What Declan Devine has brought to Glentoran can’t be overstated. He came in with a clear vision, doing things his way and raising standards across the board. His professionalism, attention to detail and the way he’s restructured the football side of the club has been exceptional.

“Without that level of support and structure he has put in place, I wouldn’t have played as many games as I did last season. He’s shown huge faith in me and I have complete belief in him and what he’s building here.

“While the season didn’t finish the way we wanted, there are plenty of positives to build on. Declan’s already made some bold calls and bringing in players like Liam Burt and Jordan Stewart shows the ambition we have.

“There’s a real determination in the group to come back stronger in pre-season and I’m fully focused on playing a big part in the success I genuinely believe is just around the corner.”

Kane – wearing the new 2025/26 Macron training gear to be worn by the first team next season – is pictured with club owner Ali Pour.

Declan Devine, Glentoran’s First Team Manager said: “Marcus is a true Glentoran legend and having him lead us into the new season is a huge boost for everyone connected to this football club.

“Towards the end of last season, I told Marcus I wanted him to stay and that we’d get this deal done. There was never any doubt in my mind that he would be part of our plans going forward.

“When fit, he’s one of the first names on my team sheet. He’s everything you want in a captain – committed, professional, passionate and driven.

“He knows exactly what it means to wear the Glentoran badge. His leadership and connection to this club are invaluable and he sets the standard in the dressing room every day.

“Younger players look up to him and rightly so. He works tirelessly every day, prepares the right way and leads by example both on and off the pitch. Having someone like Marcus at the heart of what we’re building is vital and I’m proud to have him leading this team.”

Kane becomes the third senior player to extend his stay at Glentoran this summer, following new deals for midfielder Josh Kelly and exciting young winger Jude Johnson.

Manager Declan Devine continues shape his squad for the 2025/26 campaign, with early transfer activity already bolstering the club’s attacking options through the arrival of Scottish playmaker Liam Burt and the return of forward Jordan Stewart.

Paul Millar, Glentoran’s Sporting Director added: “Marcus is a leader, a role model, and a winner and I’m delighted he’s signed on for another season. His performances last year spoke for themselves as he stepped up time and again when the team needed him and proved he’s still one of the most reliable and effective defenders in the league.”

“Declan made it clear that keeping Marcus was a priority, and securing his future is another key step in building a squad capable of challenging for silverware. His experience, influence in the dressing room and understanding of what this club means to our supporters will be invaluable as we push for success next season.”

Kane is pictured wearing the new 2025/26 Macron training gear to be worn by the first team next season