Glentoran manager Declan Devine has praised his players and supporters for their superb start to the campaign but insists his side must remain grounded as they prepare for Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership clash with Larne at the BetMcLean Oval (kick-off 3.00pm).
The Glens remain unbeaten after eight league fixtures, with six wins and two draws placing them top of the table by a single point ahead of Saturday’s opponents.
Last Friday’s 2–1 victory away to Coleraine, sealed by a superb second-half double from Jordan Stewart, demonstrated the quality and resilience in Devine’s squad as they came from behind to inflict Coleraine’s first defeat of the season.
While delighted with his squad’s start to the season, Devine has been quick to stress that it is still early in the season. He emphasised the importance of consistency, focus and maintaining high standards if his side are to turn a strong opening into sustained success.
Declan Devine said: “We’re delighted with the way we’ve started, but we know full well that eight games don’t define a season. It’s a good platform and the players deserve a lot of credit for the commitment, professionalism and quality they’ve shown so far.
“The real challenge is to sustain that right across the campaign. In this league, the moment you switch off or drop your standards you get punished. There are no easy games and that’s why there’s absolutely no room for complacency. We’ve made a solid start, but that will only count for something if we keep building on it.
“For us it’s about staying grounded, keeping our focus and pushing ourselves every single day on the training pitch. We can’t afford to rest on our laurels or get carried away with early results.
“The message inside the dressing room is very clear: keep working, keep improving and treat every fixture like it’s the most important one of the season. If we keep that mentality, we give ourselves the best chance of maintaining our strong start.”
The Glens boss pointed to the impact of his summer recruitment, highlighting how the blend of new arrivals and established leaders has given his side greater depth and balance.
Devine believes the decisions taken at the end of last season have already been justified, with fresh quality complementing the standards set by senior players.
Devine said: “We made some big calls in the summer in terms of the make up of the squad and I think you can already see the benefits of that. Bringing in players like Pat Hoban, Liam Burt, Jordan Stewart, Daniel Larmour, Ryan Cooney, MJ Kamson-Kamara and Peter Urminský has strengthened us in key areas. Those players have lifted the group, but just as importantly, they have all bought straight into the standards we demand at this football club.
“Just as vital has been the influence of our senior players. Marcus Kane continues to lead by example, Andrew Mills has been outstanding in goal, Shane McEleney has been a rock at the heart of defence and Cameron Palmer and James Singleton have delivered real quality and consistency in the middle of the park.
“What’s also encouraging is that we have key players still to come back. Dylan Connolly, Christie Pattisson, Joe Thomson and Ciarán Coll will all add further quality and depth when they return and that competition for places will be vital across a long season.
“The blend feels right with experienced leaders setting the tone alongside hungry new arrivals and younger players determined to make their mark. That balance is crucial because it ensures standards are driven higher every single day.
“We are pleased with the progress, but the real challenge is sustaining those levels across the course of the campaign. Nobody is getting carried away, we are only eight games in and there is still a huge amount of work to do. What matters now is that we keep our focus, keep pushing ourselves to improve and make sure the standards we have set remain the benchmark in every game we play.”
Larne arrive in East Belfast in excellent form, with six wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening eight matches. With six clean sheets already this season and just a single point separating the sides at the top of the table, Larne will come to the BetMcLean Oval full of confidence and ready to provide a stern test of Glentoran’s credentials.
Devine knows his side will need to be at their best and he also paid tribute to the Glentoran supporters for the backing they have given both home and away in the early stages of the campaign.
Declan added “Larne are a top side with quality right through their squad and Gary Haveron deserves great credit for the job he has done. Their results show the form they are in and we know they will come here full of confidence.
“We will need to be at our very best. That means being ruthless when the chances come, relentless in our work rate, and showing real resilience at the back. It will be tight and these are the games where focus, discipline and taking opportunities will make all the difference.
“I have absolute faith in my players to rise to the challenge, but we will also need our supporters with us every step of the way. The backing we have had home and away has been incredible and on Saturday it can drive us to another level.
For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Larne match tickets are available for purchase at: www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-home-fans.
