Glens boss McDermott is eager to add to his fond

MICK McDermott’s earliest experiences of Big Two derbies go way back. He remembers the days when fans from Glentoran and Linfield would climb up to the rafters at The Oval and throw missiles at each other.

Don’t expect that sort of behaviour at Windsor Park this afternoon for the first meeting between the pair this season, but the atmosphere is sure to be redhot, with a large and passionate crowd in attendance.

While Linfield have been making headlines with their European exploits this season, Glentoran are making waves themselves having moved into third place in the league and won five games in a row in all competitions.

There’s a long, long way to go, however, and today’s clash with the champions will offer an indication into how far the Glens have come since the much-publicised takeover of the club in the summer.

McDermott (45) is relishing the chance to manage the Glens against the Blues for the first time. He has been reflecting on days gone by when a family connection and watching a former Northern Ireland international took him to the Belfast derby.

“My sister was married to George O’Boyle and I remember going to watch Geordie play at The Oval for Linfield against the Glens,” stated McDermott.

“Not that I went to a lot of Irish League matches back then, but I always went to the Linfield v Glentoran games.

“I recall standing on the terraces with mad men up in the rafters throwing wood at each other. That was my first taste.

“I remember meeting on the Shankill Road, walking into the centre of town and meeting at the back of the Crown Bar and then walking through the city and over the bridge and watching the games.

“I had a feeling for what it was like because George was part of the family for so long.

“Now I can’t wait for the first Big Two derby of this season and managing Glentoran against Linfield. It’s a huge occasion and obviously very important for our fans.”