Pat Hoban says Glentoran are determined to build on the foundations laid last season as they prepare to begin the 2026/27 Irish Premiership campaign against Limavady United at The BetMcLean Oval on Saturday (kick-off 3.00pm).

The Glens narrowly missed out on the Gibson Cup last season after an enthralling three-way title race with Coleraine and eventual champions Larne.

While falling just short was difficult to accept, Hoban believes the experience has strengthened the squad’s resolve as they prepare to mount another challenge for the Premiership title.

“Whenever a season ends there is an overwhelming mix of emotions for everyone to work through,” said Hoban.

“When you’re in the middle of it, all you’re thinking about is the next game and picking up three points. You don’t really think about the ‘what ifs’.

“It’s only when the season finishes that everything sinks in, whether that’s the success you’ve achieved or the disappointment of missing out.

“Unfortunately, we narrowly missed out on the league and it was a sore one to take after the final game. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel that.

“But after a few weeks to recharge, you can properly reflect on the progress we made and the journey we’re on as a group.

“It was an intense final few months with ourselves, Coleraine and Larne all going toe-to-toe, with very few points being dropped along the way.

“I fully expect it to be just as competitive again this season, with other teams making it a real battle for the title as well.

“Our experience from last season is something that will stand us in good stead.

“We’ve laid a lot of good foundations, now we have to build on them. When we came back for pre-season, the mood around the squad was really positive. There was certainly no feeling sorry for ourselves.

“There’s a real determination within this group to be successful and we’ll be doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Although Glentoran finished the campaign without silverware, it proved to be a memorable first season at The BetMcLean Oval for Hoban.

The experienced striker finished as the Club’s leading goalscorer with 31 goals in all competitions and was named the Irish Premiership Player of the Year following an outstanding debut campaign in East Belfast.

Now preparing for his second season in green, black and red, the 35-year-old says he has settled quickly into life at the Club and remains as hungry as ever to help deliver success.

“When you join a new club and a new league, the most important thing is settling in as quickly as possible,” he said.

“I think you can see from the way I played and the goals I scored that I’m loving life at Glentoran and I’m really comfortable here.

“I owe a huge amount to the coaching staff and the lads in the dressing room because they made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived at The Oval.

“Everything just clicked into place after what had been a frustrating spell at Derry City. It was brilliant to be playing regularly again and enjoying my football.

“As a striker, you’ll always be judged on your goals and I was pleased with my return, but you always think about the chances you didn’t take as well.

“My teammates deserve huge credit because they’re the ones creating those opportunities. My job is to be in the right place at the right time.

“It was nice to receive the Player of the Year award, but winning something as a team would mean far more.

“That’s what we’re all striving for and we’ll be doing everything we can to achieve it.”

Attention now turns to Saturday’s opener against newly promoted Limavady United, and Hoban expects another stern test despite the visitors returning to the top flight.

“The opening day can always produce a few surprises, especially when you’re playing a promoted side, so we certainly won’t be taking anything for granted,” he said.

“Limavady have earned the right to be in the Premiership and they’ll come here full of confidence.

“They’ve got a squad full of experienced players and players who can hurt you, so we’ll approach the game with the respect every opponent deserves.

“We know we’ll have to be at our best if we’re going to get the result we want.

“That will only happen if we show the same qualities that served us so well last season and produce that level consistently throughout this campaign.

“We’re all looking forward to getting started and I know the supporters are too.

“They backed us brilliantly throughout last season and we know how important they’ll be again over the months ahead.

“If we stick together, keep believing in one another and continue driving each other on, I’m confident there will be plenty of memorable days ahead.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Irish Premiership fixture against Limavady United, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/