Joe Thomson has called on his teammates to stand up and be counted as the Glens gear up for a crucial Sports Direct Premiership showdown with Crusaders at Seaview this Saturday (Kick-off: 3:00pm).
Declan Devine’s side currently sit second in the table on 57 points, one ahead of third-placed Larne and five clear of Coleraine in fourth and know there is no margin for error if they are to secure a return to European competition.
With just three games remaining in the post-split campaign and the race for second place hanging in the balance, Thomson, who has netted five goals in 11 appearances since arriving in January, insists Saturday’s clash is the moment for Glentoran to dig deep, step up and show exactly what they’re made of.
Joe Thomson said: “We’re right in the middle of a massive battle for Europe and we’ve got three games left to secure that automatic qualification spot. We go to Seaview knowing it’s going to be a war and every tackle, every header, every pass will count.

“The message from Declan and the staff has been clear all week: fight for every ball, win your battles and give our supporters something to get behind from the very first whistle.
“We’re in a fight and it’s time for every single player to step up. From here on out, every game is a final. We need to put our bodies on the line, outwork our opponents and show exactly what it means to wear the Glentoran shirt. The fans expect it and we expect it from ourselves.”
Since arriving from Larne in January, former Scotland Under-21 international Joe Thomson has quickly discovered the impact Glentoran’s passionate support can have and he’s calling on fans to travel in numbers this Saturday for what promises to be another fiercely contested fixture at Seaview.
Crusaders have confirmed they may open the FonaCab Stand to Glens fans if the South Stand allocation is filled, creating the potential for an incredible atmosphere.in North Belfast.
Joe added: “Even though I’ve only been at the club a short time, I’ve already seen the impact our supporters can have when they turn up in force. They’ve backed us home and away, travelled in big numbers and helped push the team over the line in some massive games. Their support makes a real difference and we’ll need that again this Saturday.
“As players, we know we have to give them something to get behind. That starts with work rate, effort and determination, because that’s what this club is built on and it’s what our fans expect. We’ll be giving everything to put in a performance they can be proud of.”
The Glens opened their post-split schedule with a battling 2-1 victory over Coleraine at The BetMcLean Oval. An early own goal handed Glentoran the advantage before substitute Dylan Connolly sealed the points with a superb second-half strike.
Declan Devine’s side then produced a spirited display at Windsor Park but were narrowly edged out 2-1 by Linfield in a fiercely contested derby. Callum Morrison gave the hosts an early lead, Jordan Jenkins hit back with a composed finish, but Kirk Millar’s strike before the break proved to be the winner.
Thomson said: “We got the split off to a strong start with the win over Coleraine. It was a real team effort as everyone dug in, stuck to the plan and Dylan came off the bench and made a real impact with a brilliant finish that sealed a massive three points.
“Linfield game was a tough one to take. We went there believing we could get a result and for large spells we were right in the game. We showed character to respond after going behind and Jordan took his goal really well. But the reality is, we shouldn’t have conceded the goals we did and, in the end, we just couldn’t find that second goal to get back in the game.

“At this stage of the season, it’s all about mentality. There’s no time to dwell. We’ve got three huge games ahead of us, everything is still on the line and we’re fully focused on Crusaders. It’s another massive challenge, but one we’re absolutely up for.”
Saturday’s fixture will mark the fifth meeting between Glentoran and Crusaders this season. The North Belfast side edged a tight contest on the opening day of the season with a 1-0 win at The BetMcLean Oval, but the Glens hit back in style with a superb 3-1 comeback victory at Seaview in December.
Declan Devine’s side then booked their place in the BetMcLean Cup Final with a thrilling 4-2 extra-time triumph in January, before Crusaders claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the most recent league meeting at The BetMcLean Oval in late March.
Joe concluded: “We know exactly what to expect from Crusaders. Declan Caddell will have them well organised, aggressive and right up for it. They’ve got real quality throughout their side and players who can really hurt you if you switch off.
“They got the better of us at The BetMcLean Oval last month, and that was a disappointing result for all of us. We know we need to be sharper, more clinical, and raise our levels right across the pitch if we’re going to get the outcome we want this time.”
For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Crusaders, match tickets are available for purchase at: https://crusadersfootballclub.com/tickets.