Big Two rivalry is back and the Glenswillbeintitlehunt:mcfall

IRISH League legend Ronnie McFall says the Big Two rivalry is alive again and he’s predicting Glentoran will be a “big threat” to champions Linfield next season.

The Glens are still on a high after lifting the Irish Cup and bagging their first trophy since 2015. That sweet success over Ballymena United in last Friday’s decider also secured Europa League football and now the dream target for the east Belfast giants is a first league championship since 2009.

Mcfall (right) finished his playing career at Glentoran and also had two spells in charge of the club.

In a glorious five-year spell from 1979, he guided the Glens to six trophies including the Irish League and the Irish Cup.

He went on to lead his hometown club Portadown to 23 trophies including four league titles during an almost 30year reign, which ended in 2016. Mcfall, who was tempted out of retirement after Gary Haveron’s Oval dismissal in February 2018, now expects Mick Mcdermott’s side to pack a big punch next season.

“We will see how the transfer window goes but as it stands I feel the next title could be between Linfield and Glentoran,” said Mcfall after the club’s 23rd Irish Cup win. “I think Glentoran, with the investment since Ali Pour’s takeover, are definitely going to be a big threat from here on.

“There is no dispute they will go for the title and they have already added players. That strengthening will continue and it could be a tight championship. The teams going full-time will have a massive advantage.”

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