Glentoran midfielder Fuad Sule is determined to help bring another piece of silverware back to the BetMcLean Oval as the Glens prepare to battle Cliftonville in front of a record-breaking crowd at the National Stadium in Sunday’s BetMcLean Cup Final (Kick-off: 3:00pm).
With the largest-ever attendance for a League Cup Final expected Sunday’s showdown marks Glentoran’s first appearance in the competition’s showpiece decider in 15 years since their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Coleraine in 2009/10.
Having already lifted the Co Antrim Shield this season, overcoming Larne in a tense 5-4 penalty shootout at Seaview, Declan Devine’s side are determined to build on that success and bring more silverware back to East Belfast.
With a bumper crowd of over 16,000 spectators set to witness the final, Fuad Sule knows all eyes will be on the National Stadium as the Glens go head-to-head with Cliftonville for one of the biggest prizes in domestic football.
The influential midfielder, who played a key role in January’s Co Antrim Shield triumph, insists that lifting another trophy would be a major statement for the club and its supporters.
Fuad Sule said: “Lifting the Co Antrim Shield was a special moment, but a club of Glentoran’s size and history should be competing for silverware every season, not celebrating a trophy every few years. Success should be the standard, not the exception and that’s the mentality we are building.
“It’s hard to believe this is our first League Cup Final appearance in 15 years and that the Shield was our first trophy in five. That has to change. We want to create a winning mentality where lifting trophies becomes the norm, not just a rare occasion. Getting to this final is another step in the right direction, but we’re not here just for the occasion, we’re here to win.
“Finals aren’t about performances; they’re about delivering when it matters most. It’s about standing up in the biggest moments, showing composure, discipline and quality under pressure. Now, we have to finish the job, stand up as a team and make sure we bring the trophy back to The BetMcLean Oval.”
Glentoran’s road to the final began with a composed 2-0 victory over Dergview with goals from Charlie Lindsay and David Fisher. A battling 1-0 triumph over Linfield at the National Stadium followed as James Douglas struck late to send the Glens into the Quarter-Finals.
In the last eight, a dominant 2-0 victory over Ballymena United with a stunning long-range strike from Jordan Jenkins and a composed finish by Fisher securing Glentoran’s place in the Semi-Finals.
Devine’s men then overcame Crusaders 4-2 after extra time in a dramatic BetMcLean Oval thriller with Jordan Jenkins, Kodi Lyons-Foster and Jay Donnelly firing the Glens into Sunday’s Final.
Awaiting them is a Cliftonville side with a proven pedigree in knockout football, having lifted the Irish Cup at the same venue last season. Sule knows the Glens must be at their absolute best to beat Jim Magilton’s men.
Fuad said: “Cliftonville are a top side with real quality and they’ve shown they know how to win cup finals. We have to be ready for everything they’ll throw at us. They’re a team that can punish mistakes, so our concentration has to be at its absolute highest from the first whistle to the last.
“But we also know what we’re capable of. We’ve beaten them twice this season, so we have that belief in our ability. However, past results count for nothing in a final. It’s about what happens on the day and who is more disciplined, who wins the key battles and who takes their chances when they come.
"Finals are as much about mentality as ability. It’s about standing up, embracing the occasion and making sure we leave absolutely everything on that pitch. That’s the only way to win trophies and we’re ready to do whatever it takes.”
The Glens currently sit second in the Sports Direct Premiership, five points clear of third-placed Dungannon Swifts and remain firmly in contention for automatic European qualification.
While Sule acknowledges the club’s progress, he insists that Declan Devine, his coaching staff and the players remain fully focused on delivering further success for the club and its supporters, starting with Sunday’s Final.
Sule said: “We’ve come a long way this season, but we know there’s still more to accomplish. Declan and his staff have set the highest standards, and as players we push each other every day to ensure all our hard work pays off when it matters most.
"Winning this final would be another massive step forward, not just for this squad, but for the entire club and its supporters. It would also give us the perfect platform for the final push towards achieving European qualification.
“"Our fans have been superb all season and their support has made a huge difference to us as a team. Having several thousand Glens fans packing into the National Stadium will be an unreal experience, and as players, we’re absolutely buzzing for it.
"Both sets of supporters will create an incredible atmosphere and this is exactly the kind of occasion you dream of as a footballer. The best way we can repay our fans is by leaving everything on that pitch, making sure they are the ones celebrating at the final whistle and seeing us lift the trophy.”
A limited number of tickets remain available for Glentoran supporters at www.nifootballleague.com.
Essential Glentoran Supporter Information for BetMcLean Cup Final
Matchday Access
- Supporter buses should park on Lisburn Road.
- Stadium entry for Glentoran fans is via Donegal Avenue (from Lisburn Road).
- Glentoran supporters will be seated in the South Stand and East Stand.
- Gates open at 1:30pm – early arrival is strongly advised to allow time for ticket checks and security searches.
Stadium Rules & Regulations
- Allocated seating is in place – supporters must remain in their designated seats to maximise capacity and ensure a safe matchday experience.
- Pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited – possession is a criminal offense and offenders will be denied entry, ejected and dealt with by the PSNI
- Flag poles are not permitted.
- Only drums pre-approved by the National Stadium Management, in accordance with their Ground Regulations, will be permitted
- Respect the local community when arriving and departing – please dispose of litter responsibly.
