Glentoran 'casting the net far and wide for right players' as Declan Devine provides transfer update
Glentoran manager Declan Devine has revealed The Oval outfit are “casting the net far and wide to make sure we bring in the right players” and insisted work is continuing to bolster his squad as they prepare for a European return.
Former Dundalk midfielder Greg Sloggett is the only new arrival at Glentoran so far this summer, but Devine has also been taking a closer look at a number of potential recruits through trial periods.
The Glens have brought in several high-profile players across recent transfer windows with Pat Hoban, Ryan Cooney and Jordan Stewart joining last summer, while Josh Daniels and Aaron McEneff arrived in East Belfast earlier this year.
Alongside preparing his side for Thursday’s Conference League first qualifying round opener at home to Latvian league leaders RFS, Devine is working hard behind the scenes to make valuable squad additions.
"We've obviously had a few players in on trial and we have been casting the net far and wide to make sure we can bring in the right players for this club,” he said. "So far Greg Sloggett has been our only new arrival but it's a great signing for us.
"He's someone I know well from my time in the League of Ireland and he will be a valuable addition to the squad.
"His experience speaks for itself. He’s played at a high level in the League of Ireland, competed regularly in Europe and gained valuable experience in England over the last couple of seasons.
"Those experiences will be a real asset to our dressing room.
“What also stood out throughout our conversations was how keen Greg was to join Glentoran. He understands the expectations that come with representing this football club and was excited by the opportunity to be part of what we’re doing here.
"I can assure the fans there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to bolster the squad and that will continue.
"We have a talented squad of players here and we obviously lost a couple of key players at the end of last season, but we have identified where we need to strengthen and what we are looking for.
"I know there's a lot of excitement amongst the fans ahead of the new campaign and we want to give them plenty to cheer about as well and hopefully that starts on Thursday evening against RFS."
RFS have significant European pedigree – they qualified for the Conference League in 2022/23 and Europa League two years later, picking up League Phase draws against Galatasaray and Anderlecht.
The Riga-based outfit have defeated Linfield and Larne on the continental stage in recent years, but Devine has full faith his side can upset the odds and seal progression.
"Obviously a lot rides on your draw and it has thrown up a tricky one for us but it is still a tie we feel we can win and progress into the second round,” he added. "The first leg is certainly going to be key.
"Our home form has been very good for a while now and we have to carry that on come Thursday night.
"Our key message is to make sure we take advantage of the first leg being at home so that we can take something to Riga.
"We have to make sure the tie is still very much alive come the second leg.”