Alan Kernaghan, appointed by the board on Monday, takes charge of Glentoran for the first time as they prepare battle with reigning champions Crusaders.
While searching for a new manager, Director of Football, Roy Coyle stepped in as caretaker and helped the Glens collect seven points in their last three Danske Bank Premiership games.
Kernaghan faces a challenging start at the helm as his side tackle current league leaders Crusaders at Seaview.
The Glens go into the game in good form having won four and drawn two in their last six games. The latest triumph came last week thanks to a superb Ciaran Caldwell strike which helped the East Belfast side edge a narrow win over Ballymena United at the Showgrounds.
However, the champions are high in confidence as they beat Linfield at the National Stadium to go three points clear at top.
The Hatchetmen have only tasted defeat once this season since their opening day defeat to Portadown. Since then they have remained unbeaten in the league sweeping 36 points in the process.
Earlier this season, the Glens held the champions to a draw in a thrilling match at the Oval which saw the hosts battle from the fourth minute with 10 men following Elliot Morris’ dismissal. Aaron Hogg penalty save inspired the Glens to take the lead with a spectacular 30-yard drive from Jordan Stewart. Josh Robinson equalised for the visitors but Stewart made it 2-1 from the penalty spot, before Jordan Owens levelled to end the match with the honours even.
In the season curtain raiser, the East Belfast team enjoyed Charity Shield success as a wonderful Stewart strike helped his side claim the NI Hospice Charity Shield at the expense of Crusaders at Solitude.
This conquest was made even sweeter as the Glens stopped the rot against the Crues, who were victorious in all of their three meetings in the league last season.
Ahead of the game, Kernaghan faces troubling injury concerns as Conor McMenamin, Fra McCaffrey, Calum Birney, David Scullion and Jay Magee all missed last week’s win at the Showgrounds.
Nathan Webb
Note: Supporters' buses should approach Seaview from the Fortwilliam roundabout and on arrival at the ground they will be directed by the PSNI.