By Callum McFadden
Glentoran will be on the search for a long-term successor to Warren Feeney in the summer of 2024, hoping to guide the club to better days after what has proved a disappointing 2023/24 Sports Direct Premiership campaign.
After exiting the Irish Cup at the semi-final stage at the hands of Big Two rivals Linfield, their chances of silverware have been dashed having also been defeated in the County Antrim Shield Final by Larne and cast adrift from the title race from an early stage, with European qualification via the end-of-season play-offs their main aim under the interim charge of former Oval goalkeeper Declan Devine.
As they bid to return to the continent for a fourth time in the last five years, there will naturally be thoughts ahead to the summer and the options on the table who can inspire the Glens to bigger and better things. Here are six of them.
Declan Devine (Glentoran, interim)
Currently in charge on an interim basis at The BetMcLean Oval following the departure of Warren Feeney.
It was always a big ask to expect Devine to win the Irish Cup with so little time in charge, so if he can secure the Glens another season in European football, then it would be fair to argue that he is given the opportunity to lead them next season.
Ian Baraclough (Cheltenham Town, assistant)
It would be a coup to lure a former Northern Ireland manager to The BetMcLean Oval, but I believe Ian Baraclough would be interested in the job.
He is currently assistant to Darrell Clarke on a short-term basis at Cheltenham Town, so he would be available in the summer.
Known for working and developing young players, he could be the ideal fit to take the Glens forward.
Nathan Rooney (FC Bruno’s Magpies)
A left-field option, but Blackburn native Rooney (34) has been doing a stellar job in Gibraltar with FC Bruno’s Magpies, which has attracted attention from EFL and National League clubs.
He has previously coached at clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Carlisle United and Crawley Town, so he has a range of experience for a young manager.
Could he be the fresh start to kickstart the club?
Dean Smith (Loughgall)
The job that Smith is doing at Loughgall is nothing short of sensational.
His side recently defeated Glentoran at The BetMcLean Oval by three goals to nil, so the Glens faithful need no introduction to Smith and his side.
His record at Loughgall merits an opportunity at a bigger club, and I say that with no disrespect aimed at Loughgall at all because they are a fantastic club in their own right.
Paddy McLaughlin (unattached, last as assistant at Derry City)
Heavily linked with the job following the departure of Feeney, McLaughlin has managerial experience within the NIFL pyramid having managed both Institute and Cliftonville.
He has also worked in the League of Ireland as an assistant to Ruaidhrí Higgins at Derry City, so he has a range of coaching and management experience that he could bring to the club.
Gary Hamilton (unattached, last at Glenavon)
A man who has a fantastic record from his time as a player at The BetMcLean Oval having played in the last Glentoran team to win the Premiership title in 2009.
Hamilton also has a stellar record in management given his decade in charge of home town club Glenavon.
He won two Irish Cups during his time in charge at Mourneview Park while selling on many of his players season in, season out to bring much-needed cash into the club.
Featured image from David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press.
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