Josh Daniels’ Glentoran arrival was announced across the final few minutes of Monday’s transfer window – but for the winger, his Irish League return only ever proved a perfect blend of “the right time and the right club”.

Having secured a move across the water in 2020 thanks to sparkling play with Glenavon, the 29-year-old playmaker returns to Northern Ireland bolstered by time with Shrewsbury Town and The New Saints aiming for greater balance on and off the field.

“Coming home was really important for me and my family and when the opportunity to join Glentoran came up it felt like the right time and the right club,” said Daniels in his first interview following confirmation of the move which had Glens fans checking social media updates across deadline day. “This is one of the biggest clubs on the island of Ireland and one I’ve played against many times over the years.

"They’d shown an interest in me before I moved to Shrewsbury Town and again during my time away, so I’m delighted everything has finally come together.

placeholder image — Josh Daniels has joined Glentoran on a free transfer following the mutual termination of his contract with Wales-based The New Saints. (Photo by Glentoran FC)

“Speaking with Paul Millar (club sporting director, who worked with Daniels at Glenavon) and Declan Devine (Glens first-team manager) was a big part of my decision.

"They were very clear about the vision for the club over the next few years and where they see Glentoran going and I’m really impressed with their plans for the future.

“When I visited the club and saw the set-up first-hand, I was really impressed by the level of professionalism.

"From a player’s perspective, everything is in place for you to go out, focus on your football and put yourself in the best possible shape.

“I’d also like to place on record my thanks to TNS for the support they showed me and for facilitating my return home...I enjoyed my time there and I’m grateful for the opportunities I was given.

“I’m really looking forward to pulling on the Glentoran jersey, playing in front of the supporters and getting started as we make a push for silverware this season and beyond.”

Devine and Daniels both have strong Derry City connections, with the former viewing the latter as “a player I know very well and one we’ve admired for a long time”.

Devine added: “He brings real experience, athleticism and versatility and he’s played at a very strong level across Ireland, England, Wales and in European competition, proving himself throughout his career.

“He’s a player capable of playing for any team in the North or South of the island and his arrival is another clear statement of where we want this club to go...Josh has the profile, mentality and professionalism we want in the group and we believe he’ll be an important part of what we’re continuing to build here over the coming seasons.

“From a football perspective, his versatility is a real asset....he knows how to find the net and he also gives you a real creative outlet, which adds quality, balance and competition within the squad.

“He was very clear about wanting to come home, but there was strong interest from elsewhere and we had to work hard.”