The high spot of an otherwise disappointing day at the Bet McLean Oval yesterday was the presence of 20 of Glentoran’s greatest ever footballers at the match. They were there as members of the Glentoran 250 Club – players who made over 250 appearances for Glentoran – who were there to receive new 250 Club membership cards, specially designed by Clifford Logan. These men have over 100 League and Irish Cup winner’s medals between them.
The players watched the game from the new Hospitality Suite, where they were welcomed by Club Head of Media Ian Clarke and presented with their cards by Glentoran Chairman Colin Jess. They then went on the pitch at half time to be warmly greeted by a Glentoran support still overwhelmingly appreciative of the contribution these legends have made to the club’s history.
Apologies were received from Paul Leeman, Raymond Morrison, Justin McBride, Johnny Jameson and from the two 250 Club members still playing the game, Michael Halliday and Sean Ward. Billy McCullough and the club’s all-time top scorer Trevor Thompson are no longer able to travel but were remembered by those present. Needless to say Elliott Morris was occupied with his matchday duties as Goalkeeper Coach. Club skipper Marcus Kane, currently on 394 appearances, will be formally welcomed into the 250 Club when his playing days finish. Hopefully not for a long time.
The club thanks Philip Stevenson of the Glentoran Supporters Committee (1923) who played a major part in organising the day, Jodie Gatenby and her team for providing a very necessary warm meal after half time, and Commercial Manager Leanne Dawson who assisted throughout with making the event such a success.
Top Photo: John Devine, Gary Macartney, Tim McCann, Billy McKeag and Terry Moore
On the 50th anniversary of Glentoran reaching the Quarter Final of the European Cup Winner's Cup, four key members of that remarkable squad - (L-R) Johnny Jamison, Roy Walsh, Rab McCreery and Jim (Bimbo) Weatherup. All Glentoran captains and all still regulars at the Oval.
Star men from the Glentoran "Invincibles" league winning team of 1980-1981- Jim Cleary and Gary Blackledge
3 team mates with no fewer than 21 league and cup winners' medals between them - Barney Bowers, John Devine and Alan Paterson.
Glenmen, Tulsa Roughnecks and internationals Terry Moore and Billy Caskey
3 legendary right backs with 1660 appearances between them - Colin Nixon, Rab McCreery and George Neill
10 spells at Glentoran and a lot of success between them - Gary Smyth and Tim McCann
From the Colts to the very top - Colin Nixon and Jason Hill
Old BB League rivals Colin Jess and 192 goal Gary (G-Force) Macartney
Double winners John Devine and Andy Mathieson
Detroit Cougar Harry Creighton (left) with family members
