Glentoran rebuild continues as another member of the coaching staff moves on

Declan Devine's rebuild of Glentoran continues with another departure from The Oval. The Glens boss in on record stating it will be "a crucial summer" for the club after a disappointing end to last season.

Devine was initially brought in by the east Belfast club on an interim basis following Warren Feeney's departure in March. He was made permanent boss last month but was left frustrated by Glentoran's performances in the final games of the season as they missed out on a place in Europe.

Devine said the team was "broken" as he moved towards a "reset". As soon as the season finished the work began with no fewer than 10 players heading for the exit door.

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"It's quite damning that there are 10 players and there could still be more,” Devine told the club’s media channel. “That's a consequence of what happened on the pitch this season and players contracts running out.

"I'm looking forward to assembling a group so it's very much hands-on at the minute, but I have no doubt with the players that are still under contract that we have an opportunity to build and be a formidable force going forward."

The exits haven't been limited to the playing staff as First Team Coach John Gregg departed. And he has now been followed by fellow coach Mark Ferguson, who only moved to The Oval last September.

A club statement said: "We thank him for his contribution over the past season. During his time at the Bet McLean Oval 'Fergie' has been a popular figure among players, staff and volunteers, we wish him well in his future endeavours."

Devine once again restated his desire to return the Glens to their former glory. "Let's not get away from the fact it has been a disappointing season, but I always look forward and feel I can bring a brand of football here that can compete next season and also bring back our identity," he said.

"I haven't stopped working from the day and hour I came in here and I plan to continue doing the same thing. I'll be getting my backroom team assembled very soon and I expect everybody at this club to work every minute of every hour to re-establish ourselves and take it to another level next season."

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