Glentoran star clear 'anything other than silverware would be a disappointment'

Having fought for Gibson Cup glory until the final day of last season, the Glens are aiming to end the club’s 18-year wait for league title joy in 2027.

Glentoran made a dream start to the new campaign on Saturday as Jordan Stewart and Pat Hoban struck in a 2-0 win over Limavady United.

Clarke was one of the hosts’ top performers, whipping in a number of dangerous deliveries as he got his first full season at the Glens underway.

Devine’s men collected the club’s highest Premiership points tally last term since the East Belfast outfit last won the Gibson Cup in 2009, but still fell six short of champions Larne and were three behind second-placed Coleraine.

Clarke is well aware of the huge expectation levels at one of the Irish League’s biggest clubs and is determined to deliver success.

"It's obvious that we're hoping to challenge again,” said Clarke. “All of our preparation has been geared towards mounting a challenge, that's certainly the idea here.

"Anything other than silverware this year would be a disappointment, we'll be aiming to bring it all home.

"We’re glad to hit the ground running and get three points on the board.

"It has been a long pre-season for us but it was important we got off to a winning start, so we're pleased with that.”

This summer has marked Clarke’s first pre-season in full-time football following his January move from Crusaders, where the 33-year-old won three Irish Cups, including scoring in their 2023/24 4-0 final triumph over Ballymena United.

Having also previously spent time at Linfield, Clarke knows what it takes to be successful in Northern Ireland’s top flight and has embraced the opportunity to dedicate himself fully to his craft.

"It has typically been more sessions than what I'm used to with it being full-time,” he added. “It's brilliant in terms of preparation for the season ahead.

"You're getting all the proper training sessions, you're getting the time to work on every aspect of your game.

"We're hoping that shows in how we play.

"We've got a bit of extra time, maybe it’s a bit of an advantage over those part-time teams, to spend that time and work on things.

"It's pleasing to see the things we're working on coming off on a Saturday.”

Clarke is providing opportunities for Glentoran’s talisman Hoban, who scored 26 league goals in his maiden Irish League campaign last term and wasted no time in opening his account this time around.

"His record speaks for itself,” said Clarke. “As a winger, seeing someone like Pat, it's ideal.

"I've been at teams in the past, like Jordan Owens at Crusaders, where you get your head up as a winger and you see someone like that in the box – they can turn bad crosses into good crosses.

"He's a massive player for us, a pivotal part of our team. He's obviously got off to a goal-scoring start, which is important.

"Hopefully we can keep that going.”