EURO JACKPOT CAN HELP GLENS SECURE FULL-TIME DREAM
HB Torshavn don’t come with the same glitter of a Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus or Liverpool but that’s not the point.
Glentoran are back on the European stage where they believe they belong and that’s all that matters.
A Europa League qualifying round tie against a team from the Faroe Islands at The Oval, in front of no supporters in the middle of a Covid-19 pandemic, may not be what European dreams are made of but for the Glens and boss Mick Mcdermott the occasion represents a significant step in the right direction for an Irish League giant which has been knocked down and had to rise again more than most.
After years of financial uncertainty, inconsistency in the league, managerial changes and players coming and going, the fans are finally starting to get a sense of stability and hope.
Glentoran supporters have earned the right to be wary of false dawns but since Ali Pour eyed a project worth investing in, the club has started to blow away the rot.
With Mcdermott and Paul Millar now leading the charge and with confidence flowing again after Irish Cup success, there’s renewed optimism of a successful period.
Football, of course, can be an unpredictable and frustrating game with one step forward accompanied by two steps back but one glimpse at the squad being assembled at The Oval suggests the east Belfast giants are awakening from their slumber.
The Glens have strengthened since their Irish Cup triumph with Rory Brown, Jamie Mcdonagh, Luke Mccullough, Gael Bigirimana and Dayle Coleing.
European football is crucial to the development of the Irish League clubs challenging for honours and the Glens are hungry to be in that company.
Victory over HB Torshavn tonight (7pm) would also be another significant cash injection for the club and open the door for a clash at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, managed by Lisburn man Stephen Robinson who will be at The Oval tonight.
“Motherwell might cross the players’ minds but I’ve learned in this game you have to be completely focused on the immediate challenge,” said Mcdermott.
“At international tournaments, your World Cup is your first game. There’s no point in talking about the second or third.
“All our energies go into this one and it’s a one-off European tie. Lose this and we’re out.
“But everyone is healthy and available. We have had a chance to watch them and see what they are capable of.
“European football is massive for this club and all the Irish League teams did well last season. Our teams will push hard to keep those four European places.
“It’s a great platform to keep players, attract players and build your club towards a full-time model. Other teams are moving full-time and we are almost entirely full-time.
“It has happened faster than we thought, but clubs are trying to create a full-time environment in a part-time reality.
“We are upgrading our clubs to be more full-time but our league is still a part-time reality. European money will help.”
The preliminary-round match at The Oval will be the Glens’ first in European competition since 2015 and fans can follow it on the BBC Sport NI website.
Torshavn, who finished fourth last season, have dominated the current campaign with 15 wins from 17 games.
Each qualifying round in the 2020-21 Europa League will consist of one-off matches rather than traditional two-legged ties.
“It would be unfair to say Glentoran face Sparta Prague and they got a home draw with a higher ranking but otherwise it’s the luck of the draw and cup football,” added the Glens boss.
“There is more preparation going into two legs in the sense of how a team sets up for a certain game but this is still an exciting test for the fans.
“There is a pandemic at the moment and players can get the virus. It’s no one’s fault. It is what it is and we have to be aware that anything can happen.
“It’s a precarious situation and authorities could call the game off when we turn up. Stephen (Robinson) will be there to watch us and if we win, we will be at Motherwell’s game on Saturday.”
During the discussions over how the season should be curtailed, there was fierce debate around how European money should be shared but it’s still unclear how that will happen.
“I’m not saying anything to offend anyone but my club won a trophy on the pitch and earned the money,” added Mcdermott.
“The only other two teams to win trophies last season were Coleraine and Cliftonville. Other positions were awarded and it was agreed those clubs would agree to share money.
“Ten clubs agreed to share the money. The question needs to go to other clubs. I’m not being confrontational, other clubs put on record their views, saying they would be open to donating to a fund including 18% of their funds. This remains a big issue but the Covid-19 crisis will continue to hurt clubs financially.”
Mcdermott is also excited about Glentoran’s re-established partnership with Ashfield Boys’ High School, a natural link-up given the number of students who have graduated from the east Belfast school and donned the red, green and black colours.
Among the former Ashfield boys who have dazzled for the Glens are Ron Mccreery, Barney Bowers, Alan Paterson, Alan Harrison, Tommy Leeman, Raymond Morrison, Gary Hillis, Justin Mcbride, Darren Armour, Jay Magee, Paul Leeman, Andy Kirk and Stuart Elliott.
The club and school are developing a full-time football academy for players between the ages of 16-18. These young players will have the opportunity to not just study for a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent of 3 A Levels) but will also have a schedule for full-time training, coaching, strength and conditioning.
Furthermore, two IFA Education Development Officers will deliver a full enrichment programme providing additional qualifications.
Mcdermott and the club’s professional players will lead regular coaching sessions and help mentor and assist the young players and students.
In addition, each student on the course will have the opportunity to gain work experience and coaching opportunities with the IFA and Glentoran.
“This is another major step forward in our journey to strengthen both our community ties and our club,” added The Oval chief.