It has been a whirlwind month for Josh Daniels, who welcomed daughter Una into the world a matter of days after sealing his transfer to Glentoran – and he’s determined to play his part in delivering silverware success at the Premiership giants.

After making his intentions clear to return home having lifted three consecutive Cymru Premier titles and played in the Conference League with The New Saints, Daniels attracted interest from a host of clubs before ultimately opting to join the Glens.

There’s a sense of familiarity at The Oval for Daniels – he signed his first Derry City contract under manager Declan Devine, worked alongside Paul Millar at Glenavon, and fellow transfer recruit Aaron McEneff was groomsman at his wedding to Hannah in 2023.

McEneff and Daniels first met during their time at the Candystripes and stayed in contact through spells in England, Wales, Australia, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

placeholder image — Josh Daniels has been reunited with close friend Aaron McEneff at Glentoran. (Photo by Josh Daniels)

Having faced off in the Conference League last season, the duo are now back on the same team and represent a significant statement of intent from Devine as he looks to end Glentoran’s wait for league glory.

Despite their close friendship, McEneff’s Irish League move came as a shock to Daniels with no mention of an impending transfer – but the prior connection has helped both settle in Belfast.

"When he went to Glentoran, I spoke to him and I felt like it was a good move when I went to see the club,” said Daniels. “It's going in the right direction, it's a massive club, and it has massive potential.

"I played with Aaron at Derry when he came back from Spurs. We played together for a couple of years and then stayed in touch throughout our careers.

"I played against him in the Conference League with TNS against Shamrock Rovers, it's nice to get back in with boys you know. I played with a couple of boys at Glenavon too, it's a good group.

"To be honest, I didn't even know Aaron was leaving Rovers so it was just pure random that he ended up at Glentoran. I genuinely didn't know he was on the move.

"When he signed and heard that I was linked, he was chatting to me and letting me know what it's like. He was hoping to get me in too - it helps when you know people."

It has been a hectic period for Daniels with a house move, transfer and new baby all recent events – but he’s happy to be back home again.

Having played his final match for TNS on January 13, Daniels kept himself ticking over before joining the Glens and made his debut on Tuesday in a 2-2 draw against Premiership leaders Larne.

With his family settled, Daniels is looking forward to working his way back to full sharpness and feels Glentoran is the perfect destination.

"With the football side, it was about getting myself sorted in the last few weeks when the family was sorted,” he added. “Knowing that the family was sorted and we were set for the baby coming, it was about getting me settled here and getting a club.

"I'm thankful that I got sorted on deadline day. I wasn't panicking, it's clear to a lot of people that I was linked with Derry City for quite a while and things happen that you can't control.

"I know the Irish League and everybody in it. January isn't a nice time to move, clubs in the Irish Premiership are settled and it was different for me. I'm glad to get it sorted.”

Daniels left the Irish League for Shrewsbury Town aged 24 after an impressive spell at Glenavon, famously scoring in their European win over a Molde side which contained Erling Haaland.

While winger Daniels terrorised defences with his trickery and pace, he has since played in a variety of positions, largely featuring as a wing-back to great effect for TNS.

Daniels has kept up to date with developments in the Irish League since his departure and believes he returns a very different player.

"I left Glenavon as a small, tricky winger or a number 10, but I played six or seven different positions in League One for Shrewsbury,” he said. “I feel like I have added to my game and played at a high level with and against some unbelievable players.

"TNS was a different level to League One, but it was a lot more pressure than what I had been used to.

"You have to win every week, win leagues and qualify for Europe. We had a great season in the Conference League.

"I want to win more trophies and coming back to Northern Ireland I'm determined to win silverware, that's ultimately what you look back on. That's the ambition of everyone at Glentoran.

"I have kept a close eye on the Irish League and kept in touch with all the boys. The Irish League has grown massively since I left, there's a lot more full-time clubs and there's been a lot of investment.

"The fans have always been great...Glentoran bring an unreal following and it's nice to be playing for them now and seeing that. The Irish League will be attracting players from all over and long may that continue."