Morris is looking to the future after signing full-time Oval contract
ELLIOTT Morris has agreed a two-year full-time deal with Glentoran, extending his remarkable association with the club to 20 years.
And there’s more positive news for The Oval faithful, with skipper Marcus Kane also signing a two-year extension to his contract.
Experienced stopper Morris is the longest serving first-team player in the club’s history and has made 741 appearances, with only his former team-mate Colin Nixon in front of him on 794. The 39-year-old joined the club from West Bromwich Albion and made his debut in a 4-1 home league win over Institute on August 10, 2002.
Also making their debuts that day were Andy Kilmartin, Kevin Keegan and former Northern Ireland boss Michael O’neill, who scored one of the goals.
It’s been a journey of highs and lows with the east-belfast club and along the way the loyal servant bagged 14 trophies, including three league titles and four Irish Cups.
This new contract sees Morris focus primarily on a coaching role, however, manager Mick McDermott is well aware of his capabilities as a number one.
“It’s a player-coach role, an extension of what I have been doing with the emphasis on coaching,” said Morris who was brought to the club by legendary former boss Roy Coyle.
“With Dayle Coleing being in the international set-up (with Gibraltar) he will have other commitments at times and Rory Brown is also available with myself as cover.
“I enjoy the coaching sessions and that’s my main role, rather than to compete with the goalkeepers to play.
“If you look at any big fulltime club, they have three or four goalkeepers and Mick can see the benefits of that. I would never stand in the way of a talented young goalkeeper coming through, but it’s important the club knows that I can do a job if required.”
The 20-year milestone has a special shine to it and is a stunning reward for a player who has remained loyal to the Glens t hrough storms.
“It was not my target to reach 20 years,” he added. “Five years ago I had back problems and thought ‘let’s get to the end of the season and maybe call it quits.’
“I turned it around and the full-time set-up suits me. I can train every day and work in the gym a lot. If you have injuries you need time to rest them and that’s not easy when you’re working. I’ve given up my job to take on this role. My future lies in coaching and this is fantastic experience for me with a club I love.”
t he
s unshine
a nd