gino

(Author's Notes: Thanks for taking the time to have a look at this, it's my first attempt at a CM4 story. I'm not sure how it'll go but we'll see. It's about a club I've been following for some years now, dating back to the time Burnley signed the mercurial winger Glen Little from the club. Little did I know that Burnley and Glentoran have a connection dating back well over a century. More on this can be read here. Again, thanks for reading, hope you enjoy!)

'Le Jeu Avant Tout' - Yesterday's Heroes, Today.

The Glens fans partied long and hard after last season’s historic season came to a close. Having won the Premier Division for the first time in four seasons, it was time again to turn their thoughts to the Champions’ League.

The club were already three goals down in their first round qualification game with Estonian side FC Flora Tallinn when I took over the reigns from departing manager Roy Coyle. Coyle had been at the helm at ‘The Oval’ for nearly ten seasons, and was arguably the club’s greatest ever manager.

Regardless, I gathered the troops together on my first day and told them just what I wanted from them, commitment, passion and goals. I knew there was little hope of splashing out huge transfer fees, even with European football. For starters, the real money didn’t arrive until you made the Group Stages, and secondly, the club was already losing money hand over fist, and was well in the red.

Northern Irish international striker Andy Smith, a player with four caps to his name, was attracting the attentions of several teams, in particularly League of Ireland side Derry City who made an offer of £55,000 and seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Marty Walker. Keen to keep hold of our talents, I reject the offer immediately; though its made clear by Chairman Stafford Reynolds that in light of the financial problems at the club, a more sizable offer may receive a different answer.

Wed 23.07.03
Glentoran Vs FC Flora Tallinn – The Oval.
Champions’ Cup Qual. 1 Leg 2

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliot Morris: Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Gary Long, Gary Smyth: Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart, Scott Young, Sean Ward: Andy Smith, Tommy McCallion.

Weather: Dry, 16°C

I knew little of my new team, but I knew even less of our opponents, with FC Flora Tallinn making their arrival at The Oval just three days after my own. One thing I did know was that we had a huge uphill battle, but backed by 8,000 locals, I knew that if someone was smiling down upon us we had a chance.

The opening exchanges were tense and nervy, with Flora happy to soak up possession and our boys not wanting to throw too much forward in case of conceding a tie deciding fourth. Much of the early pressure, did thankfully come our way, with Smith testing goalkeeper Karlsoon early and Tommy McCallion’s header grazing the bar on it’s way over.

The took the lead in the 23rd minute when McCallion’s flick on was gathered by Smith, and after forcing a save from the Estonian ‘keeper, the hotly-rated striker followed up to put us one up. It was a start.

It’s safe to say we laid siege on the Flora goal throughout the second period, but after Karlson saved point-blank from substitute Darren Armour and Stepanov cleared off the line when McCallion’s header looked to creeping in, we stood little chance of clawing the game back. Goalkeeper Elliott Morris even contested for a flurry of late corners but it was all in vain as Flora held on and claim a 3-1 aggregate victory. Oh well, maybe next year.

Glentoran 1 - FC Flora Tallinn 0
Goals: Smith 1-0.
Attendance: 7,994
MoM: Aleksandr Karlson (FC Flora) – Fine goalkeeping in keeping his side ahead.

Brian of Nazareth

Extraordinary link that! Tom Morrison evidently couldn't make up his mind :p Anyway good luck with this. If it's a patch on your other stories it'll be a terrific read. Good luck

gino

UTV – Sports View

JF: “Hello, I’m John Ford and you’re watching Sports View on UTV, home of the ‘Daily Mirror’ Northern Irish Football League. Today we’re delighted to be joined by the new Glentoran manager Stan Ginozola, fresh from his first game in charge. Stan, unfortunately yesterday’s 1-0 home win was not quite enough, was it?”

SG: “Unfortunately not, no. It was always going to be tough to overturn a three-goal deficit, especially when you’ve had to endure a change in management. I was proud of the boys, they put up a really brave fight and it’s something I hope we can build on when the season begins.”

JF: “You’re back to ‘domestic’ action on Saturday. Away at Ballymena United in the League Cup Group Three?”

SG: “That’s right, John. It’ll be my first taste of Irish Football, management wise anyhow. I’m looking forward to it, I’ve inherited a fine squad and I’m confident we can put up a good performance for our supporters.”

JF: “As I’m sure you’re award Stan, the club enjoyed its most successful season throughout its 121 year history last season. How do you go about topping it?”

SG: “What happened at The Oval last season is a tribute to Roy Coyle and his side. It was a truly remarkable achievement, being one game away from a clean sweep. Roy decided to go out on top and after a career like his, who can blame him? It’s the least he deserves. My aim is to create the same legacy at the club, my own legacy.”

JF: “And I’m sure you’ve been filled in about certain clashes in the Irish League fixture list!”

SG: “Of course, I’m aware of the rivalries. I think most people inside the game are. It’ll be an honour to experience, as long as we get the right results!

JF: “Stan, thanks for going us. Good luck with the rest of the season.”

maollelujah

Now this is a good story title. I should do a new 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...' series to redeem you.

gino

LOL! Thanks Mao! :thup:

I’d managed to arrange two friendly fixtures between now and the opener with Ballymena United. With the players training hard, I had my hands full with various administrative issues, though I did have time to allow young striker Jason Hill to go and spend some time on loan with Premier Division rivals Cliftonville, though not of course against us. Sixteen-year-old Gary Spence was also allowed to link up with Carrick Rangers, of the Northern Irish League First Division.

Arguably the most exciting moment of the summer was convincing Portsmouth youngster Marc Wilson that his future lay not at Fratton Park, but at The Oval, with the fifteen-year-old signing a one-year youth contract. Wilson is a strong, defensive-minded midfielder who could even make his first-team debut this season, despite his years.

Sat 16.08.03
Ballymena United Vs Glentoran – Ballymena Showgrounds.
League Cup Group 3 #1

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris: Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward (s/o 15), Gary Smyth: Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Scott Young: Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 21°C

With Andy Smith set to miss three weeks football with a strained wrist, Damien McLaughlin is called from the reserves to line-up alongside Tommy McCallion in the opening game of our League Cup campaign. There are also changes both at the back and in midfield with Sean Ward coming in at the back and new signing Richard Stansfield partnering Scott Young in midfield.

We start well, making in roads behind the Ballymena defence as early as the fourth minute when Robinson saved from McCallion. Things become a little bit more difficult when Sean Ward is red-carded for a second bookable offence after just fifteen but keeping to our game we take the lead through McCallion before McLaughlin grabs a second.

The game comes alive the second period. Eric Faulkner misses a penalty for the home side before McLaughlin scores to halve the deficit at 2-1. Our McLaughlin, Damien, is left unmarked at the far post to make finish off a fine move involving four players before Shea Campbell scores to make the final few minutes a little too edgy. Thankfully, we hold on.

Ballymena United 2 - Glentoran 3
Goals: McCallion 1-0, Damien McLaughlin 2-0, Gareth McLaughlin 2-1, Damien McLaughlin 3-1, Campbell 3-2.
Attendance: 1,548
MoM: Damien McLaughlin (Glentoran) – Two goals and an assist gives McLaughlan the award.

gino

Hello, Hello, it's good to be back, it's good to be back! :thup:

The pleasing thing that came form Saturday’s game was that fact that we scored goals for fun. We appeared dangerous whenever we crossed the halfway into the Ballymena half and the strike force of McCallion and stand-in McLaughlin performed admirably. Good form in the League Cup will hopefully carry into the league once the season gets underway and it can only be positive to see your strikers sharing three goals.

Sat 23.08.03
Glentoran Vs Newry Town – The Oval.
League Cup Group 3 #2

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Stuart Long, Gary Smyth - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Scott Young - Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Wet, 9°C

The League Cup continued with a visit from Newry Town. With Sean Ward suspended, Stuart Long comes back into the side alongside Gary Smyth at centre-half. After impressing on his debut at Ballymena, Richard Stansfield continues in midfield with Scott Young.

The first-half is something of a battle with Newry looking for nothing but a clean sheet. Darren Armour had the half’s best chance, blazing wide when released by Stansfield. Going in at the break at 0-0, we emerge in a more attacking state of mind and take just two minutes to break the dead lock. Glendinning and Lockhart exchanged passes on the halfway line before Lockhart sent McLaughlin clear down the left. Cutting inside, he beat his marker before crossing for McCallion who was in acres of space to roll the ball home.

The goal seemed to open the floodgates as Newry suddenly had to attack to get anything out of the game. McCallion continued his run of form with his second on seventy-two, and as the game drew to a close, Damien McLaughlin added a third to complete a comfortable victory.

Glentoran 3 – Newry Town 0
Goals: McCallion 1-0, McCallion 2-0, McLaughlin 3-0.
Attendance: 1,532
MoM: Tommy McCallion (Glentoran) – Like McLaughlin was weekend, two goals and an assist gives the award to McCallion.

bjorn

It sure feels great to be back, just like it feels great to read your stories Gino :thup:

gino

Thanks very much, bjorn!

Victory made sure we kept pace with Dungannon Swifts at the top og League Cup Group 3. Newry Town and Ballymena United made up the rest of the group in third and fourth places respectively.

Before the top of the table clash with Dungannon, we completed the signing of non-league Warren YM’s Willie Hull. With no fee being paid due to the fact Willie had no contract with Warren, we had the chance to bring him to the club and have a look at him, without making too big a commitment.

Transfer In:
Willie Hull (S C, 21) – Free transfer from Warren YM.

However, the big move in Irish football this week was a one that saw Coleraine’s experienced midfielder Tony Gorman finally get his chance to move across to the mainland with a £120,000 to Premiership new boys Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There was good news at the club on Friday morning with Gavin Melaugh’s and Andrew Kilmartin’s good form earning the pair places in Colin Quinn’s Northern Ireland Under 21 squad for games against the Ukraine and Armenia.

Sat 30.08.03
Glentoran Vs Dungannon Swifts – The Oval.
League Cup Group 3 #3

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Gary Smyth - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Scott Young - Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Wet, 11°C

We looked to make it three wins out of three in the league cup group stages when fellow leaders Dungannon Swifts came to The Oval on the final match-day in August. Dungannon are certainly the side we need to keep an eye out for, and we’ve spent the week analysing their play by watching a series of videos documenting previous performances.

We also name the same side that had beaten Newry last weekend. Andy Smith had recovered from his injury, but shockingly short of match fitness, I tell him to stay with the reserves until he gets himself sorted out. Regardless, it’d doubtful he’d have shifted the pairing of McCallion and McLaughlin that has hit six goals in the last two games.

It would be the same story today, with Damien McLaughlin’s 59th minute header the game’s only goal.

Glentoran 1 – Dungannon Swifts 0
Goals: McLaughlin 1-0.
Attendance: 1,527
MoM: Mark Glendinning (Glentoran) – Strong performance from our inspirational left-back.

gino

With the end of August bringing the close of the transfer window until the Christmas period, we complete a deal that sees schoolboy striker John McAuley sign a three-year professional deal. Though not thought to be involved with the first-team this year, McAuley certainly falls into the ‘one for the future’ category and will hopefully develop under reserve-team boss Jimmy Brown.

Transfer In:
John McAuley (S C, 17) – Signs from local football.

The reserves are in devastating form as they take on Omagh Town at The Oval. New signing McAuley bags a brace and Andy Smith returns to the fray with a goal as Jimmy Brown’s men gallop to a 7-2 victory.

Sat 06.09.03
Glentoran Vs Ballymena United – The Oval.
League Cup Group 3 #4

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward (sub Jodie Hill 50), Gary Smyth - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Scott Young - Tommy McCallion (sub Andy Smith 50), Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Wet, 12°C

Confidence is high going into the return clash with Ballymena, and rightly so, with us topping the round-robin group with three wins from three and Ballymena struggling with just a victory over the woeful Newry Town to show for their troubles. With Damien McLaughlin and Tommy McCallion in explosive form, we’re playing as though we could take on anybody, and the partnership works its magic again with McLaughlin crossing for McCallion to head home with twenty-eight minutes on the clock.

Andy Smith gets his chance after the interval, replacing Tommy McCallion who is in need of a deserved rest. Within minutes, Smith is running away in celebration having linked well with McLaughlin to shoot past Ballymena goalkeeper John Connelly. We’re much too strong for the visitors and Smith grabs his second eighteen minutes from time. It’s a tribute to Smith’s performance that he is awarded the sponsors ‘Man of the Match’ award as full-time approaches.

Glentoran 3 – Ballymena United 0
Goals: McCallion 1-0, Andy Smith 2-0, Andy Smith 3-0.
Attendance: 1,521
MoM: Andy Smith (Glentoran) – A two-goal haul after coming off the bench for the returning striker.

gino

Having sealed our qualification to the semi-finals of the League Cup, it’s back inside the clubhouse to watch the Northern Ireland national side take on the Ukraine in Kiev. It’s a now a case of pride for Colin Quinn’s men as they sit bottom of European Champions Qualification Group Six with just two points to their name. Again the day will end in disappointment as, after taking the lead through Hearts’ Andy Kirk, they fall apart and are eventually well-beaten 4-1.

Things are a little better results wise back in Belfast, where a late strike from Crystal Palace’s Michael Hughes salvages a 2-2 draw with Armenia. Paul McVeigh had given Northern Ireland the lead after just seventeen minutes before sloppy Irish defending allowed Armenia back into the game.

Sat 13.09.03
Newry Town Vs Glentoran – Newry Showgrounds.
League Cup Group 3 #5

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Gary Smyth - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Scott Young - Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin (Andy Smith 50).

Weather: Dry, 20°C

Having sealed qualification to the League Cup Semi-Finals we take it somewhat easy away at Newry and come away with a well-earned 0-0 draw. Andy Smith is again used as a second-half and whilst not as effective as a week earlier at The Oval, still shows some impressive touches when replacing the injured Damien McLoughlin.

McLoughlin had to leave the field in the 70th minute, though the clash that brought the injury took place in the 32nd minute when he was hit hard in a tackle with Conor Larkin. Surprisingly, back in the changing room, it’s McLaughlin’s strike partner McCallion who is in most pain. With McLoughlin able to run off his injury in the warm-down, McCallion appears to have damaged his right shoulder and will require at least two weeks rest.

Newry Town 0 – Glentoran 0
Goals: None
Attendance: 1,529
MoM: Stuart Addis (Newry Town) – Several fine saves earn his side a point.