This is the second in a new series where notable Glentoran players name the team they would pick from the players they played alongside during their careers in the Irish League.
2. COLIN NIXON
Today’s team has been picked by our all-time record appearance maker, Colin Nixon. “Nicky” joined the club as a boy and, after making his debut at Solitude in October 1995, went on to make an incredible 794 first team appearances, scoring 88 goals (not bad for a full back who didn’t take penalties for most of his career!), before bowing out with a final Irish Cup winner’s medal in 2013. He also holds our club record for European with 26 and, while there are no formal records to confirm it, it’s safe to assume that he is also our most decorated player with 25 winner’s medals, including four league titles and six Irish Cups.
So, with 18 seasons as a first team regular, who better to offer an analysis of the many platers he played alongside in a Glentoran shirt?
Elliott Morris (Goalkeeper)
When Elliott first joined from WBA, I honestly thought he would be back across the water in no time, such was his talent. Fulltime football’s loss has been Glentoran’s gain. What a loyal servant and ambassador he has been. He’s also been the best keeper in the league over the past 18 years.
George Neill (Right Back)
A true gentleman. When I first came through the ranks, he couldn’t have been kinder, to me, up until I made my debut and eventually took his place after well over a decade. I always appreciated his advice. A tremendous athlete and I learned a lot from his attacking play, although I unfortunately lacked his speed. Another great Glentoran servant,
Mark Glendenning (Left Back)
Should have been at Glentoran long before he was. An IRISH League Legend. Fearsome in the tackle, hard as nails and a great defender and competitor. He also had a great eye for goal, and I lost a lot of bets with him!
John Devine (Centre Half)
A true leader and the complete centre half. John rarely lost a header and pitched in with his fair share of goals. Not only as a centre half but also as my first senior captain. Centre forwards hated playing against him and he was a composed footballer as well.
Gary Smyth (Centre Half)
Just pips Chris Walker for this place. He had two spells at the club in my time and he should never have been away in my opinion. An unbelievable header of the ball and a brilliant free kick taker. Totally committed both on and off the field.
Tim McCann (right midfield)
Another Irish League great. We did an astute bit of business acquiring him from a good Cliftonville side. We were great friends on and off the pitch as we formed a great partnership down the right flank. A true winger who always wanted to take fullbacks on and get his crosses in. He covered well too, and always took defeat terribly.
Paul Leeman (Midfield)
Another Glentoran great and a winner who never gave up, even going on to win the Setanta Cup with Crusaders. Leeper was steeped in the Glentoran and he deserves his place for his quality alone. Another leader who didn’t accept second best from anyone, nor would he tolerate standards slipping. Also scored some memorable goals.
Scott Young (Midfield)
One of only two players in my eleven never to win Glentoran Player of the Year. Three leg breaks saw to that and cut short his career with the mighty Glens. An extremely talented midfielder who saw a pass before anyone else. He made a life in East Belfast after moving from Scotland such was his passion for Glentoran. He was so courageous for battling those leg breaks and he could completely turn a game on its head when in the mood.
Stuart Elliott (Left midfield)
Pace to burn and knew how to score goals. He was always destined for a full-time career. He was always attacked minded and a constant threat no matter where the ball was. Like the rest of us he really loved Glentoran.
Gary Hamilton (striker)
His goal record for Glentoran was incredible and he was the complete centre forward. Scorer of all types of goals from the sublime to the simple tap in. In my opinion one of the Irish League’s greatest centre forwards.
Andy Kirk (Striker)
Another player who I came up through the ranks with. Strong, powerful and quick off the mark he really knew where the net was. Andy won a title before a big money move to Hearts. He went on to have a great full-time career and played for Northern Ireland. Would have been a great partner for Hamilton
Subs
Guido Van de Kamp (goalkeeper)
Clean sheets nearly every time he played for us. Real quality keeper.
Michael Smyth (left back)
Fantastic player. Again, I loved his attacking full back style and the fans loved him. Totally committed
Chris Walker (centre back)
Glentoran through and through. Came up from the Amateur League and excelled from the start. A great player.
Darren Lockhart (midfielder)
A brilliant central midfielder. Tough in the tackle and could score a lot of goals. Great player.
Pete Batey (midfielder)
Another leader and legend. Had a very combative style which won him many admirers. Another one I learned a lot from.
Glenn Little (winger)
A level above the Irish League. A brilliant player and what a great career he had. All I needed to do was give him the ball.
Michael Halliday (striker)
Another great goalscorer for Glentoran. A goal nearly every three games is a great return. Plus, he always gave his all.