Mon 14 Sep 2026, 8:58
Greg Sloggett believes Tuesday night’s meeting with Irish Premiership leaders Coleraine represents the perfect opportunity for Glentoran to begin turning their season around.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bangor left the Glens with seven points from their opening six league fixtures, but Sloggett insists the squad remains united and determined to deliver the response everyone at the club wants to see.
“We are Glentoran and we should never have any hesitation about playing anyone,” said the experienced midfielder.
“We know the results have not been what we hoped for at this stage of the season and that we have not yet reached the level of performance we know we are capable of.
“There have been a number of factors involved, but we are not looking for excuses. We are looking for solutions.
“As players and coaches, we are working hard to turn things around. We fully understand the frustration of the supporters because we feel it too.
“We will come through this together. We need a performance and a result to give everyone the lift we are looking for.”
Coleraine arrive at The BetMcLean Oval having made an impressive start to the campaign, but Sloggett believes the challenge facing Glentoran is one the players should embrace.
“Some people may look at Coleraine as the worst possible fixture for us, but that is certainly not how we see it within the squad,” he said.
“We are relishing the game. From my point of view, there is no better fixture in which to start putting things right.
“Coleraine are a very good side. They have carried their form from last season into this campaign and are top of the league on merit.
“We are a good side too, though, and these are the games you want to be involved in as a player. It is now up to us to produce the performance we know we are capable of.
“A positive result could give us the lift we need and help get our season moving.”
It has been a particularly frustrating start to life in east Belfast for Sloggett, whose introduction to the Glentoran side was delayed by a knee injury.
The former Dundalk midfielder made his competitive debut as a second-half substitute against Bangor and was delighted to finally get onto the pitch.
“It is always frustrating when you are ruled out through injury, but it is even more difficult when you have just joined a new club and the results are not going the way you would want,” said the 30-year-old.
“When you join a new club, you want to be involved as quickly as possible and show everyone what you can contribute.
“The results added to the frustration because you are watching from the sidelines and cannot influence what happens on the pitch. I do not think I have ever met a player who enjoys doing that.
“All I could do was support the lads and reinforce the messages coming from the manager and coaches.
“Thankfully, I am now fit and it was a great feeling to get on at half-time on Saturday. I would gladly have exchanged the appearance for three points, but unfortunately it was not to be.
“Hopefully, we will now see more players returning and give the manager as many options as possible. When you look around the squad, there is a huge amount of quality here.
“The players demonstrated that during last season’s excellent league run and there is no reason why we cannot rediscover that form.”
Despite the disappointment of his early injury, Sloggett has already developed a strong connection with the club and believes unity will be vital as the Glens look to build momentum.
“From the moment I walked through the door, I could see why this club means so much to so many people,” he said.
“There is a real family feel and togetherness around the place. You also sense the proud history of Glentoran and the desire everyone has to add to it.
“Despite missing a number of games, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and know this is the right place for me.
“The important thing now is that we stand together and work our way through this difficult period. I have been in football long enough to know that tough times do not last.
“Results will turn when you continue to work hard. What matters is how you respond to difficult moments and what you learn from them.
“We know what is expected of us as Glentoran players and we are determined to deliver, especially for our supporters.
“We know they will be out in force again on Tuesday night and will get behind us, as they always do.
“It is now up to us to give them a performance they can be proud of.”
Tuesday’s fixture is proudly supported by Match Partner Creative Commercial Interiors and Match Ball Partner 1923 Glentoran Supporters’ Club. We thank both partners for their valued support and look forward to welcoming them and their guests to The BetMcLean Oval.
For Glentoran fans planning to attend Tuesday’s Irish Premiership fixture against Coleraine at The BetMcLean Oval, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/
