Conor McMenamin says returning to Glentoran feels like coming home as the Northern Ireland international begins his third spell at The BetMcLean Oval.

The 31-year-old completed his move from Coleraine after talks progressed rapidly during the closing days of the transfer window, signing a long-term contract in East Belfast.

For McMenamin, the decision required little consideration.

“I’m delighted to be here and excited to get going,” he said. “When I heard Glentoran were interested, it was an opportunity I wanted to take.

“I had a really good time here before and this Club deserves to win things. Hopefully we can now push in that direction.”

The move gathered pace quickly before being completed on Monday morning.

“Talks had been going on over the last few days through my agent and everything was sorted this morning,” he explained.

“It all happened very quickly, but now I’m here and I’m delighted.”

McMenamin initially joined Glentoran in 2015 before returning from Cliftonville in January 2021 and establishing himself as one of the Irish Premiership’s most dangerous attacking players.

Across his two previous spells, he scored 43 goals in 114 appearances, earned his first senior Northern Ireland call-up and secured a move to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.

Those achievements form only part of his connection with Glentoran.

“I played probably the best football of my career here and had a great relationship with the supporters,” he said.

“My family loved it here as well. Everyone really enjoyed coming to the Club and watching me play, so from a personal point of view, I’m really excited to be back.

“It does feel like coming home. I have special memories here and hopefully we can now start winning.”

McMenamin returns to East Belfast after three seasons with St Mirren, where he made 77 appearances, competed in Europe and helped the Paisley club secure consecutive top-six finishes in the Scottish Premiership.

He also started last season’s Premier Sports Cup final victory over Celtic, an experience he believes has changed him both professionally and personally.

“Some of the best memories of my career came during my time in Scotland,” he said.

“Winning the cup, finishing in the top six and playing in Europe were all brilliant experiences. I’ve also had another baby and now have a son, so a lot has changed for me personally as well.

“I think I’m a better person and a better player now. Hopefully I can show that during my time back at Glentoran.”

The Club McMenamin returns to has also changed significantly since his departure in July 2023.

After holding his first conversations with First Team Manager Declan Devine and Assistant Manager Paddy McCourt, he has been encouraged by the progress made at The BetMcLean Oval.

“I spoke to the manager and Paddy and things have changed since I was last here,” he said.

“It looks like the Club has improved a lot and that can only be a good thing.

“You can see the investment being made by clubs throughout the league. At a club of this size, we have to keep improving, moving forward and striving to be the best.”

McMenamin’s return is driven by more than his affection for Glentoran. Having experienced the feeling of lifting a major trophy in Scotland, he is determined to help bring further silverware to East Belfast.

“When you have a fanbase like ours, you want to give them those moments,” he said.

“You see the names and photographs around the Club of people lifting trophies for Glentoran. From what I experienced in Scotland, those are special memories and great days for everyone connected with a club.

“That is what you play football for. You want to win things and I’m hoping I can bring that winning mentality with me.”

McMenamin accepts that his previous performances will bring expectations, but he is determined to produce more decisive moments in green, red and black.

“I scored some big goals and played in some important matches for the Club, and I’m determined to do that again,” he said.

“I’m still the same person. I’ve gone away, had a good career in Scotland and gained more experience, but I’m coming back here to win things. I’ll give everything I can to help this Club be successful.”

McMenamin reserved his final words for the Glentoran supporters, whose backing remained with him after he left the Oval.

“I’m really excited to play in front of them again,” he said. “They were brilliant for me and I felt their support even when I was no longer at the Club and was playing in Scotland.

“I cannot wait to see them all again. Let’s get to work.”