Paul Millar has re-joined Glentoran as a member of the coaching team in Mick McDermott’s first appointment since becoming our Head Coach at the weekend.
Paul – who has worked successfully with Gary Hamilton at Glenavon since 2012 – was previously a player here, coming through the ranks of the Colts and Seconds before scoring twenty goals in fifty-three first team appearances between 1985 and 1987. His most famous goal is obviously his spectacular last-minute winner in the 1986 Irish Cup Final against Coleraine. After leaving the Oval he played for Portadown, Luton Town, Cardiff City, Linfield and Ards before taking on coaching or management roles at Bangor and Ballymena United.
Paul managed the Glens for fifteen months from February 2006, joining us after a brief spell as Newry City boss. During that brief spell the club had two second place finishes and won the League Cup with a 1-0 final win over Cliftonville.
Mick McDermott told Glentoran.com earlier today: “I am delighted to have Paul Millar join our staff; his experience, knowledge and ability to fulfil multiple roles make him an invaluable addition. With over 35 years in football – as Player, Coach, Manager – Paul brings an insight of local football that few can match.” Paul will work closely with me on all technical coaching duties as well as off-field matters such as player liaison, player recruitment and general management. Glentoran FC has big plans over the coming years as we climb back to the top and I fully believe that Paul will be a massive asset to this project.”
Paul said this evening: “I’m delighted to be involved at the beginning of what we all hope will become a really exciting project if the shareholders approve the proposed investment. I’ve grown-up in East Belfast and have represented the club for the Colts many years ago, the Seconds and also two great years as a first teamer here playing with some of the greatest players in the club’s history. I also had the privilege of managing the first team as a young manager. Glentoran is a huge club as we all know. But in recent times the Glens have seriously underachieved and what we want to do is take the club back to where it belongs - the biggest and best club in Ireland. At the minute, I’m not going in as assistant manager, first-team coach or any other specific role, but as part of the coaching team. It’s about offering help to Mick and the rest of the staff in whatever way I can”.
