It's back to the Oval we go as the new season kicks off in the Danske Bank Premiership. The pre-season has been completed and with the pitch in fantastic condition, thanks to our groundsman William Kirkwood, we are good to go.
Dungannon Swifts are the visitors for the opener. The two teams met three times last season, twice at Stangmore Park and once at the Oval. Results wise it was one win, one draw and one defeat for the Glens. In September 2015 we travelled to Co Tyrone and despite going behind twice, fought back to win the game 4-2 with goals from Calum Birney (2), Steven Gordon and Curtis Allen. In late November the sides drew 1-1 at the Oval with Jonathan Smith netting for the home side. New Year's Day saw the Swifts take all 3 points with a comfortable 3-1 victory; Jonny Addis getting Glentoran's goal.
Manager, Alan Kernaghan has certainly rung the changes over the summer with Aaron Hogg (Ards), Steven McCullough (Carrick Rangers), Fra McCaffrey (Ballymena Utd), Danny McKee (H&W Welders), Conor McMenamin (Warrenpoint Town) and Niall Henderson (Portadown) all moving on. Kristian Gibson and Dale Patton have also left the club whilst both Barry Holland and David Howland have retired.
In have come strikers Stephen O'Flynn (Ballinamallard Utd) & Nacho Novo (Carolina Redhawks), goalkeeper Dwayne Nelson (Ballymena Utd) midfielders Aaron Harmon (Carrick Rangers) & Eric Foley (Galway Utd) and defenders Ross Redman (Portadown), James Ferrin (QUB) & Aaron Smyth (Carrick Rangers).
All the new players are available and included in the squad for tomorrow's game however we are missing Curtis Allen (1 game suspension) & Chris Lavery (3 game suspension). Long term injuries see both Stephen McAlorum & Willie Garret both still on the sidelines whilst Jay Magee is on holiday.
With the weather forecast good, we hope you'll all come along and give the team your support.
You know the drill....turnstiles, purchase a copy of the Glentoran Gazette, buy a Halfers Ticket, visit the Superstore & Milkbar and then shout and scream. COYG.
