Conor McMenamin's title goal as shock Glentoran return 'feels like coming home' after 10-week Coleraine transfer ends in cash-plus-player deal
Conor McMenamin’s shock switch from Coleraine to Glentoran may be the biggest talking point of the Irish League summer transfer window but the man in the eye of the storm just wants to focus on his football.
McMenamin’s arrival at Coleraine in June was heralded as a major statement of intent by the ambitious Bannsiders but now, just 10 weeks on and with playing time limited to mere minutes, the 31-year-old is back at the Glens with the goal to get his season back on track.
McMenamin wants to put those early-season struggles at Coleraine in the past and views the Oval the prime stage to showcase talents which have led to 14 caps with Northern Ireland and a three-year run at St Mirren that included trophy glory.
The Glens have signed McMenamin for an undisclosed fee, with Joe Thomson moving to Coleraine on a permanent transfer as part of the deal.
“Everything has happened really quickly, but once I knew there was an opportunity to return to Glentoran, I was delighted to take it,” said McMenamin, who left the Glens in 2023 to sign for St Mirren. “This club means a great deal to me and walking back into The BetMcLean Oval feels like coming home.
"I always had a strong connection with the supporters...they were excellent with me and I know how much the club means to them. I played some of the best football of my career here, earned my first Northern Ireland call-up and secured a move to Scotland...my three years with St Mirren were hugely important and I return as a better and more experienced player.
“This is not about looking back at what I achieved here before, I still have plenty that I want to accomplish...I didn’t win the league during my previous time at Glentoran and that is something I want to change. At a club of this size, the ambition and expectation have to be to challenge for the title and win silverware.
“My focus now is on getting down to work, playing my football and repaying the faith Ali (Pour, Glentoran owner), Paul (Millar, sporting director) and Declan (Devine, first-team manager) have shown in bringing me back.
“I understand the expectations that come with wearing this shirt and I’m ready to embrace them again...I cannot wait to play in front of the Glentoran supporters at the Oval.”