Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that Academy graduates James McClure and Owen O’Neill have signed their first professional contracts, committing their futures to the BetMcLean Oval until the end of the 2025/26 season.
James McClure is an exciting striker renowned for his instinctive goal-scoring ability, while Owen O’Neill is a strong and versatile defender capable of covering across the backline.
Having progressed through the Academy ranks, McClure and O’Neill made their competitive first-team debuts in the 4-0 victory against Crusaders at the end of last season. Both also featured prominently during the summer 2024 pre-season campaign.
Now established members of the Glentoran Seconds, the duo has also been instrumental in the Glentoran Colts’ run to the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Semi-Final, where they will face Larne.
McClure and O’Neill are key members of Northern Ireland’s U18 Schoolboys squad and featured in last week’s friendly against Australia, with O’Neill captaining the side. They are both expected to play vital roles in the squad’s upcoming Centenary Shield campaign.
The duo’s progression from the Glentoran Academy highlights the club’s long-term commitment to developing talent and providing clear pathways for its young players to reach the first team.
Declan Devine, First Team Manager, said: “This is a proud moment for James and Owen and their families. They are shining examples of what can be achieved through hard work, talent and the pathway provided by our Academy. Both have been outstanding for the Reserves and are starting to demonstrate their ability to meet the demands of senior football.
“Securing James and Owen on professional contracts reflects our ambition to build for the future with Academy talent at the heart of our plans. I’m excited to see how they develop as they continue their journeys with the club.”
Sporting Director Paul Millar added: “Both James and Owen have worked incredibly hard to reach this stage and their progression is a credit to the Glentoran Academy and its coaches. These contracts are a reward for their dedication and an investment in the future of the club.
“We are building a squad that combines experience with academy talent and it’s fantastic to see players who have grown up at the club taking their next steps with us. We’re excited to see what they can achieve in the coming years.”