Declan Devine clear 'there will be further updates' after making early Glentoran squad calls
Glentoran manager Declan Devine insists “there will be further updates regarding the playing squad” in the coming weeks as his side prepare for their European return after confirmation that five players will be departing The Oval this summer.
Having missed out on ending the club’s 17-year wait for Gibson Cup glory by finishing six points adrift of champions Larne, Devine will be looking to strengthen his panel for another title bid next term.
The Glens will be back in European action for the first time since 2023 this summer after sealing a spot in Conference League qualifying – their third-placed Premiership finish combined with Coleraine winning the Irish Cup secured passage.
As Devine begins to shape his squad ahead of pre-season, Aaron Wightman, Dylan Connolly, Danny Amos, Callan Farley and Ciaran Coll are all leaving the East Belfast club.
Wightman spent almost two decades with the Glens, joining their academy aged six, and went on to make 74 senior appearances, while Connolly departs after two seasons in the Irish League.
Amos impressed across his two campaigns at The Oval – the former Northern Ireland U21 international provided eight league assists during the 2024/25 season.
Alongside confirmed departures, Charlie Lindsay and Nathaniel Ferris, who spent the latter half of the most recent campaign on loan at relegated Glenavon, have been placed on the transfer list.
“This is never the easiest part of being a football manager because you build relationships with players during your time together, but as a manager you have to make difficult decisions for the benefit of the football club,” said Devine. “I want to thank every one of these lads for their efforts, commitment and professionalism during their time at Glentoran.
"They’ve all contributed positively and have been a valued part of the dressing room. On behalf of everyone at the Club, I’d like to wish them every success in the next stage of their careers.
“There will be further updates regarding the playing squad in the weeks ahead as we continue to strengthen the group ahead of our UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign and the challenge of competing for domestic honours next season.”