Glentoran striker Pat Hoban says he’s “loving his football again” and is determined to keep his excellent run of form going as the Glens look to extend their fine form when they face Glenavon at Mourneview Park on Saturday afternoon (Kick-off: 3pm).

The former Dundalk and Derry City forward has made a major impact since arriving in East Belfast during the summer, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 12 competitive appearances across all competitions.

Hoban has netted five times in the Sports Direct Premiership, including a clinical double in the 2–1 win over Portadown on Halloween night, with his physical presence, intelligent movement and composure in front of goal adding a decisive edge to Declan Devine’s attack.

His form has been instrumental in Glentoran’s strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, which sees the Glens sitting second in the table, just three points behind leaders Coleraine with two games in hand.

Pat Hoban said: “I’m really enjoying my football again at Glentoran. I feel sharp and confident, but I know there is still more to come from me. I did not get to play a lot of football earlier in the year, so every training session and every match is a chance to get sharper, stronger and closer to my best form.

“As a striker, my focus is always on scoring goals and playing to my strengths, as well as the strengths of the players around me. Thankfully I have managed to get a few goals already this season, but I am never satisfied and always want more.

“I am still getting to know my teammates and they are getting to know me, which is all part of building understanding. I enjoy coming short to link the play as much as making runs into the box and that understanding is improving all the time. The more we play together, the stronger it gets and I think people can see that chemistry developing on the pitch.”

“From the moment I joined Glentoran, I have felt settled, focused and part of something special. The atmosphere around the club is fantastic. Everyone, from the players and staff to the supporters, is pulling in the same direction and that makes a huge difference for any player coming into a new environment.

The former Dundalk striker believes the professional standards under Declan Devine and Paddy McCourt have been central to Glentoran’s success this season.

Having known and admired Devine from his time managing Bohemians and Derry City, Hoban says it has been a pleasure to now work under him and his assistant Paddy McCourt.

Pat added: “I have known Declan for a while and always admired him from afar during his time at Bohemians and Derry City. He is an outstanding manager and a top man. He understands players, he knows how to get the best out of people and his man-management is excellent.

“He is also very astute tactically and pays incredible attention to detail. Every session has a purpose and you go into every match feeling fully prepared. What he and Paddy have built here in such a short space of time is something you can only admire. The squad is packed with quality and belief and that comes from the standards they have set since day one.

“Paddy is a brilliant coach to work with as well. He brings a real calmness to the group, but he is also very sharp and tactically aware. His football knowledge is top class and he sees things that others might not. The two of them balance each other perfectly. Declan drives the intensity and Paddy brings composure and clarity. It is a great combination.

“You can see the work they are doing to transform the club. The structure, the standards and the football we are playing are all heading in the right direction. For me, it is a pleasure to be part of it. I am enjoying every moment of working with them and being part of a team that is striving to bring success back to Glentoran.”

Hoban’s arrival has strengthened Glentoran’s attack and he has formed an increasingly effective partnership with Jordan Jenkins, whose movement and pace have combined well with Hoban’s link-up play and finishing instinct.

With David Fisher and Dylan Connolly finding form after returning from suspension and injury, and Liam Burt adding creativity alongside the soon-to-return Jordan Stewart, Glentoran’s attacking options now offer real depth, variety and threat.

Hoban said: “Jordan and I have built a really good understanding. His movement and energy give us different options up front and our styles complement each other well. We’re starting to develop that understanding where we know what the other is going to do.

“The players around us make a massive difference too. David and Dylan have come back flying and bring real pace and directness, while Liam adds that creative spark that can unlock defences. With Jordan Stewart close to returning, there’s great competition and variety across our front line.

“As a striker, you want to play in a team that creates chances and the service from the wide areas and midfield has been excellent. The competition for places keeps everyone sharp and you can feel the confidence building across the group. Hopefully that momentum continues and leads to even more goals for the team.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Mourneview Park, Hoban insists the Glens must produce another big performance to maintain their strong run of form and keep pace at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership.

The Glens have already beaten Glenavon once this season, recording a 2–0 victory at The BetMcLean Oval in August thanks to goals from Jordan Stewart and Jordan Jenkins.

However, Hoban expects an even tougher test this time around following the Lurgan club’s recent change of manager and says the team will need to be fully prepared for a different type of challenge.

Pat concluded: “There are no easy games in this league and Saturday will be no different. Glenavon will be a different side to the one we faced earlier in the season, especially with a new manager coming in. They will be organised, competitive and hungry to turn their results around and start climbing the table, so we know we will need to be right at it from the first whistle.

“For us, it is about building on the momentum we have created, maintaining our standards and delivering another big performance. We are in a good place as a group with confidence high, training levels excellent and everyone pushing each other every day. But we know we will need to match Glenavon across the pitch and be ready for the fight.

Glentoran’s Remembrance commemorations will continue this weekend at Mourneview Park, where Glenavon will host a Remembrance Service at 2.00pm, with all supporters welcome to attend. Before kick-off, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place as both clubs pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service of others. The Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal will also hold a bucket collection at the ground ahead of the match.

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Glenavon, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glenavonfc.com/category/match-tickets/