END THE YEARS OF CURT

Allen wants success at Oval again

GLENTORAN striker Curtis Allen is determined that actions speak louder than words at the East Belfast club this season.

The Ovalmen, who last lifted the Gibson Cup under the late Alan Mcdonald in 2009, have tumbled off the title radar in recent years.

A ninth place finish last season underpinned a frustrating campaign while the Mersey Street outfit are huge 66/1 outsiders ahead of the new Premiership which kicks-off this weekend.

Allen, who joined the Glens in 2014 after leaving Inverness, accepts it will take time to turn things around but is eager to help the club climb the table in the weeks ahead.

The talented forward said: “There were several things wrong with the team last season and you could go on and on about Glentoran Football Club and where we should be.

“We don’t want a repeat of some of the displays we saw last season and we deserved to be down there in ninth because we weren’t good enough.

“We know we’re a long way off challenging for the title but we should be up there in the top half, top four in the table. We have to try and push this club back to where it belongs.

“We’ve got to perform better, bring the pride back to the shirt and believe. That’s why I signed a new deal last year because I believe the club can get back where it belongs. I want to do everything I can to get the club challenging for trophies again.”

Patience and realism are often in low supply at a club with a tradition of winning trophies and challenging for titles.

But Allen, who has scored 67 goals in 139 appearances for the club, says boss Gary Haveron – who was appointed to the post just 11 months ago – deserves time to plot a Glens revival.

He said: “This is Gary’s first full season and you have to give him an opportunity to really put a stamp on the team. Fans know it’s a rebuilding stage and it’s accepted we’re a good bit off challenging for the league but we’ve got to start taking steps in the right direction.

“We’ve had a clearout, we’ve brought new players in and we have to allow them time to gel. I feel it’s a big chance for them to make a name for themselves.”

Glentoran kick off their season with a trip to Ballinamallard, a team they have failed to beat in their last five meetings.

Allen said: “This is a new season and we’ll go with confidence. The pitch will be immaculate at this time of year so we’ll be targeting the three points. A good start is important because confidence builds.”