On their appointment four days ago, Ronnie McFall was at pains to emphasise the importance that he and the new management team will place on providing a clear pathway for our best Academy players to make their way into first team contention. As Ronnie said, "that's always been the Glentoran way". With that in mind seven of our all conquering Under 18 squad this week committed their futures to Glentoran for next season. That follows on from Paul O'Neill, James McCarthy and Cricky Conn (now with Burnley) all featuring with the first team at the end of the season. U20s manager David Lowry helped all of these lads make the step up to the U20 squad last season and is confident that all of them - plus others to be announced in the coming days - have every chance of advancing to first team level over the next couple of years.
Jack Henderson. Aged 17, Jack played in Northern Ireland's unbeaten Centenary Shield campaign and made 27 appearances in the centre or midfield for the U20s last season
Mal Smith. Vice captain of the U20s last season at the age of just 16, Mal has just turned 17 and was a mainstay of the U20 team at right back last season making 28 appearances and earning 4 man of the match awards. Mal also played his part in the U18 double success
Jamie Glover. 17 year old left back Jamie broke the deadlock for the U18s in the crucial league title decider a fortnight ago and also made 20 U20 appearances in the season just finished, turning in consistently good performances
Lewis McGarvey. The backbone of the U18 double winning team, Lewis also broke into the U20 team making his debut at home to Linfield at centre half and went on to rack up ten appearances at U20 level
Sean Gallagher. Under 18 skipper, this midfield general excelled at U18s this season and as a result made 12 appearances in the u20 team. Sean will be moving into the U20 set up next season to continue his push towards the first team
Paul McLaughlin. U20 goalkeeper Paul has just turned 17. Paul made 29 appearances for the U20s this season with 4 man of the match awards to his name
Nathan Best. 18 year old right winger Nathan has pace to burn and is an old fashioned out and out winger who loves to get to the by-line and delivery quality crosses. Nathan will be a key man for the U20s next season