Thu 3 Sep 2026, 18:36
James Singleton has spoken of his pride at making his 150th appearance for Glentoran and says his determination to bring success to the BetMcLean Oval remains as strong as ever.
The defender reached the landmark during Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory over Linfield in the Co Antrim Senior Shield, having been told by his teammates following Saturday’s game against Crusaders that he was closing in on the milestone.
Now in his fifth season with the Club, Singleton hopes there are many more appearances still to come.
“It’s nice to reach it,” he said. “One of the boys mentioned after the Crusaders game that it had been my 149th appearance, so it was special to get to 150 on Tuesday night.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Glentoran and hopefully there will be another 150 before I leave.”
Singleton arrived at the BetMcLean Oval determined to compete for major honours and insists that ambition has never changed, despite the considerable transformation that has taken place around the Club during his time in East Belfast.
“A lot has changed around the Club, and it has changed for the better, but the aim remains the same,” he said.
“I came here wanting to compete for trophies and that is still what we want to do. We want to challenge in every competition we enter.
“Tuesday night demonstrated that. The team selected showed how seriously we take every competition, while we were also able to give valuable minutes and opportunities to other players.
“We want to win every game. It is about taking things one match at a time and trying to compete for everything available to us.”
As vice-captain and one of the longest-serving members of the current squad, Singleton also recognises that his role now extends beyond his own performances.
A number of new signings have arrived during the summer, while several young players have progressed into the senior environment. Singleton believes he has a responsibility to help them settle and understand the standards expected at Glentoran.
“This is my fifth season at the Club, so I’ve been here for a long time and seen a lot of players come through the door,” he said.
“We have new players arriving, familiar faces returning and some very talented young players coming through.
“My job is to help them settle into the Club and make them feel part of the squad. Marcus has a similar responsibility as captain, and I try to support him with that whenever I can.
“We have a very close group and a really good changing room. Everyone is happy to be here and wants to play for the Club. That is all you can ask for.”
Singleton believes the competition within the squad will intensify further as injured players begin returning to contention.
While that will create difficult selection decisions for manager Declan Devine, the vice-captain feels the increased competition can help raise standards throughout the group.
“There are a number of players who are getting very close to returning,” he added.
“When we have a full squad available, it is going to be extremely difficult to get into the team and even to make the matchday squad.
“We have a lot of quality and players who can operate in different positions. It will give the manager a selection headache, but it will also drive everyone’s performances.
“That competition can only improve standards and, hopefully, help us produce the results we all want.”
