31st Aug 03. Game off - You may or may not already have heard, but next Saturday's game away to Dungannon Swifts had indeed been called off due to the Glens having three players up on International duty. No new date yet.
30th Aug 03. Glentoran 3 Omagh Town 1
The Omagh Town match report has now been moved HERE
29th Aug 03. Just heard - Because the Glens now have three players up on International duty next week, we're entitled to ask that our game away to Dungannon Swifts next Saturday be postponed. No news yet if we will, I doubt it.
I also hear Garry Haylock could be about to sign for Newry!
29th Aug 03. Omagh game - The third game in defence of our CIS League Cup tonight with a first visit to the Oval this season for 'Mac the Mouth' and Omagh Town (ko 7.45). No matter what happens between Cliftonville and Dungannon tomorrow, a win tonight would put the Glens at least 6 points clear of the team in 3rd place. With only three games then left to play in the group, and the top two qualifying for the quarter-finals, things could be looking very rosy indeed come half past nine. The Glens add new boy Gavin Melaugh to the squad, if he doesn't start I'd expect he'll feature at some stage of the evening. Otherwise Chris Walker (injured) and Michael O'Neill (suspended) are the only absentees. Interesting (for once) to note McCreadie's comments in the 'Tele' the other night, "Gentoran fans should be proud of their team and support them rather than having a go at me," he said. Good advise pie face, practice what you preach!
That's the lot! - Tim McCann (II) re-signed for a further 2 years last night to complete business at the Oval for the forthcoming season. Tim was the last player to come out of contract since last seasons treble win and was more than happy to hang around a while longer. Fairly chuffed myself ;-)
Just in case you hadn't heard - Coleraine got tanked 5-0 and ended the game with 9 men, Portadown lost 2-0.
28th Aug 03. Interesting stuff! - Seen the draw for the Champions League yet? HERE
More good news ...... I think - Glentoran's Elliott Morris and new boy Gavin Melaugh have both been called into the Northern Ireland Under 21 squad to face Ukraine and Armenia on the 5th and 9th of next month. Only problem is, with Andy Smith also called up, but to the senior squad (6th and 10th), IFA rules mean that all three players will probably now be unavailable for the Glens trip to Dungannon Swifts on September 6th!
Dear John - A new season just wouldn't be the same without a little correspondence between our resident scribbler 'Fear-Us' and his trusty pen-pal John Lavatory. I'll re-vamp the 'Read my Mail' page when I get a chance, but in the meantime here's a wee taster just to get the ball rolling HERE
Good Luck - by the way, to both Coleraine and Portadown in tonights UEFA Cup second leg ties, wouldn't it be nice to see a local side get through the first friggin round for a change! Coleraine of course are the only ones with a realistic chance of achieving that goal, taking a 2-1 lead to Portugal, and you can keep up to speed with how they, and everyone else are getting on at the 'Live' goals link above. If you can stay up! Coleraine's game doesn't kick-off till 9 o'clock tonight!
27th Aug 03. Krakow crash - You may or may not have noticed this morning that our old friends Wisla Krakow have crashed out at the qualifying stage of this seasons Champions League. After losing 3-1 in their first leg away to Anderlect two weeks back they were always going to be up against it, and in an attempt to claw back the deficit lost 1-0 at home.
26th Aug 03. New Signing - So, the big secret's out eh? Errrrrr ........ it is isn't it? Manager Roy Coyle today revealed his latest acquisition to the Glentoran squad, Northern Ireland Under 21 Midfielder Gavin Melaugh, given a 3 year contract. Gavin it seems has been on the books at Aston Villa from he was a kid, some 5 years, more recently though he has been farmed out to Rochdale, and apparently that's where he's came from to join us. I'd love to say I'm absolutely thrilled at the signing, but to be perfectly honest I've never heard of the guy. Another midfielder too! But then ......... whadda I know ;-) Whatever the reasons, I'm sure Coyler knows exactly what he's doing. He's quoted today as saying 'This lads arrival at the Oval is exciting news for me, his new team-mates and our fans', followed by the very modest prediction 'I intend making Glentoran Northern Irelands biggest club for years to come'. Who am I to argue with that :-)
24th Aug 03. Cliftonville 0 Glentoran 1
Dead busy folks sorry, in a nutshell - Cliftonville kicked the shit outta us all day. Scoreless at half time, Andy Smith then takes out a friggin helicopter with a second half penalty! But fear not, Michael 'Doc' Halliday (remember him) then comes off the bench once more at Solitude to poke home a winner deep into injury time.............. are we downhearted ;-)
22nd Aug 03, 10.15pm. Phew!! - Fortunately neither side was able to win 9 or 10 nil tonight in the Dungannon v Omagh Town game, a 2-0 win for Omagh means the Glens stay top of the group, and a draw will keep us there tomorrow ;-)
Now it's Marty Hunter! - Midfielder Marty Hunter is the latest Glentoran player to be told he can go, it's no secret Marty's been unhappy at the Oval for some time now and has asked for a move. It's certainly not great news for Glens fans, but completely understandable, the lad's got loads of talent, but has found it virtually impossible to break into the first eleven on a regular basis over the last couple of years.
I suppose I can tell you now - I spoke to Marty one night way back in November last year, even then he told me of his frustration, and that he'd just asked Coyler to put him on the list then - he refused. Marty couldn't see himself getting into the side with the likes of Locky, Leeper, wee Scotty and Kilmartin playing so well, and then we go and sign Michael O'Neill. I advised him to knuckle down and wait his chance, if some injuries cropped up and he got into the side he could soon make the position his own given the talent he has - it didn't happen. I reckon when we signed Tommy McCallion earlier this month that was the last straw. Still not even 24 until next week Marty is a cert to go quickly, the guy is a natural and only for the wealth of talent already at the Oval he'd be one of the first names on the team sheet every week. Better still, even though he's still got the guts of a year left of his contract we're tearing it up and letting him go for free! What a real pity, and what a waste ............ good luck to you Marty, please don't come back to haunt us.
Cliftonville game - Back to sunny Solitude tomorrow, for the second of our group qualifying games in defence of the League Cup. While we were hammering Dungannon last week you may not have noticed the Reds were getting off to a good start too, Marty Tabbs lads put one over 'Mac the Mouth' at Omagh, winning 2-1 and joining us top of the group at this early stage. Cliftonville haven't been in our section of this competition before, so there's no similar fixture from previous seasons to compare with, what might surprise you though, is that the Reds haven't beaten the Glens in any competition for nearly 4 years! Way back on 9th December 2000 they triumphed 1-0 at Solitude in a League game, in ten attempts since then though they've managed just 2 draws and 2 goals - the Glens scoring 20!
History will count for nothing tomorrow though.
The first two from each section qualify for the quarter-finals of this Cup, with only 6 games to decide who that'll be, and the Glens favourites to finish top, they'll all know anyone who can take points off us will be a huge bonus towards that aim.
On the team front, Tommy McCallion makes a return to the last club he played for in the Irish League, hopefully he gets the reception he deserves. Darren Armour is available again after suspension, although I suspect he'll have to be content with a place on the bench after last weeks team display. No matter, big crowd (of Glenman anyway) and hopefully a good game - only August too, be nice for the players to actually get to play on Solitude while it's flat ;-)
BTW - Ballymac's bus leaves Wilgar Street at 2.00pm tomorrow, ALL visitors are very welcome to travel. Check out if there's a Glentoran Supporters Club bus leaving from near you at the link above.
Match Betting: Cliftonville 9/2, Glentoran 4/7 and a draw 5/2. All odds supplied by TOALS bookmakers
(Footnote) The other two teams in our group, Dungannon Swifts and Omagh Town meet tonight instead of tomorrow - if Dungannon win 9-0, or Omagh win 10-0 they could leapfrog us and go top ;-)
20th Aug 03. Simply the best - Michael O'Neill has revealed today that, although he could well be on his way out of the Oval, he won't be signing for any other Irish League side. The midfielder explains that it's the Cock n' Hens or no-one as far as football in Northern Ireland is concerned, "I just couldn't see myself playing for another Irish League side," say's Michael, "Last season every match was like a Cup final for the Glens - and I think it will be something similar this time around. "I would really miss that intensity." When you think the guy could walk into any other team in the country, it speaks volumes.
BUSES - Don't forget folks, the 'Away Bus' info page get's back up and running again this weekend. If you want your buses advertised for the forthcoming season just drop me an email and I'll put them online :-)
19th Aug 03. OK - so who's this new player we're supposed to be lookin at .......................? (allegedly ;-)
18th Aug 03. Surprise Surprise, errr ....... NOT - Roy Coyle has just confirmed today what I all but told you a few days back, Michael O'Neill can look for another club. Scotland based O'Neill still has a year of his contract to run at the Oval, but has been told he can leave if someone comes in for him. The manager also adds that if Michael fails to get linked up elsewhere (preferably Scotland) he's happy to let him stay and fight for his place. Remember - No Bull and No Blue ;-)
17th Aug 03. Glentoran 8 Dungannon Swifts 0
Saturday's match report of the demolition of Dungannon can now be found HERE
15th Aug 03. O' dear - Heard a disturbing rumour towards the end of last season, it involved the offloading of a current first team player, the story seemed to die away so I left it. Then in Finland I heard it again, but just put it down to the local pear cider and gossip. More worryingly though is that I've heard it for a third time today, this one just isn't going away. On each occasion the rumour has been the same, and has come from a different but usually reliable source. For obvious reasons I'd rather not go into the details, suffice to say something's definitely going on.
What a relief ! - Just read in this mornings press that mighty Ards have sensationally swooped to sign the multi-talented wonder player and original 'Chrome Plated' Child Lee Feeney!! WELL THANK F*** FOR THAT!! - I was starting to get a wee bit worried there Coyler might be interested !! Remember that night at Ibrox? Ahhhhhhhhhh the memories ....... :-)
Here we go again - Dunno bout you, but tomorrow can't come quick enough for me. I've been looking forward to this day since 20 minutes after the final whistle went in Helsinki, the disappointment, sitting on that bus looking at all the long faces, so near and yet so far blah blah blah. Then, later that night the mood changed, these players felt exactly the same. This team want another crack at that 2nd round European spot, ok it might be a full year away, but I firmly believe they'll get their chance. Our treble winning side from last season is still very much intact, and with Tommy McCallion on board even stronger. There will be some good games in the league this year, but I don't believe there is a team in the country can produce the consistency we can, and that will once again prove to be the difference. This team still believe they can win every game they play, and I have to say so do I. Let's begin by retaining that League Cup ........ then on September 30th, down to the business of that 2nd round European target. Where'd I put that passport ;-)
14th Aug 03. Tonight's UEFA Cup ties - Well done to Coleraine, the only local winners of the night, although the League of Ireland sides still look to be well in with a shout. Poor old Portadown on the other hand can forget it.
Coleraine 2 Uniao Leiria 1, Malmo 4 Portadown 0, Apoel Nicosia 2 Derry City 1, Ljubljana 1 Shelbourne 0.
13th Aug 03. 13th September - That's when Michael O'Neill will be eligible to play for the Glens again. The midfielder has to carry over a 4 game suspension from the end of last season, and might partly explain why he hasn't featured in many of our pre-season friendlies. The same happened to Darren Armour last time out. Big Chris has also had to carry over a ban, for one match, but obviously wouldn't have been able to start against Dungannon this Saturday anyhow.
You have a go - It's Portadown and Coleraine's turn to see if they can do any better tomorrow night, as they battle it out with Malmo (Sweden) and Uniao Leiria (Portugal) respectively in the UEFA Cup Qualifying round. Good luck to the pair of them. There are some old acquaintances to look out for then as well, as Steaua Bucharest, Maccabi Haifa and Litex (nightmare) Lovech also play in the UEFA Cup, be interesting also to see how League of Ireland sides Derry City and Shelbourne fare as well. Before that though tonight, last years UEFA Cup foe Wisla Krakow travel to Anderlect in a third round qualifying game in the Champions League. You can keep up to date with all the scores at the 'Live' goals link above.
12th Aug 03. Stafford's the man - So big Parky has indeed stepped down as Chairman of the Glens, he had his own reasons. I'm sure he won't mind me telling you though that the man could quite easily have walked away last season, and on health grounds alone probably should, but when the Kilmartin thing started to bite John decided to knuckle down for the good of the club and see it through. Another mark of the guy's character is that I don't think he made a single enemy in his years in charge at the Oval - no mean feat I can tell you, and definitely a first! John remains on the board but now hands the reins over to Stafford Reynolds, given what's brewing at the Oval for the next couple of years, it should prove quite an eventful appointment indeed.
2003 / 04 - Squad page has just been updated.
11th Aug 03. New Boss? - If the drums are to be believed, expect a new face as Chairman of Glentoran after tonight's board meeting, most likely a face that's already featured on this page above ;-) Tonight might also be a good opportunity to elevate someone else to black suit status since wee Ronnie jacked it in a few weeks back. No rest for the wicked eh.
10th Aug 03. Glentoran 5 Dundela 0
No disrespect to the Duns but it should'a been 20, Tommy McCallion made a second half debut as sub, he looked the part ok, but by then it must be said the Duns were absolutely ballixed. I suppose it was worth the trouble just to keep the legs loose - shooty in, I'm glad I got in for nothing ...................... just twigged by the way, our last League match is away to the scum - I wonder who'll be their manager by then eh? For the record, Goals: Armour, Locky, Halliday, Young, and big Gary Smyth. Anybody know when's the 2004 Champions League draw?.
BTW - I'll be starting to scribble down a few memoirs this week about the Glens recent European trip to Helsinki, the new Glentoran Gazette editor John Moore has asked me for my errr ........ observations, and I've told him I'd be absolutely delighted. It probably wont be in the programme for a week or two yet, so there's still time for those (cough cough) 'gentlemen' who may wish to remain nameless ......... I usually have a bottle'a bud or (and) a wee vodka and sprite around a quarter to five - Cya's in the club next Saturday ;-) (Gordy - you can send me a cheque ;-)
9th Aug 03. Dundela - for the Oval today folks, in our annual, and last friendly before the big kick-off next Saturday. Remember it's another freebie if you have a season ticket (you can still buy one outside the gate), or a fiver otherwise - it doesn't get dark enough yet to climb over the back wall ;-)
8th Aug 03. Just added the full version - of the errrr ......... stockings pic above, enjoy :-)
7th Aug 03, 8.45am. Tweet Tweet - Wee bird just told me Derry City's ex Cliftonville midfielder Tommy McCallion is being linked to the Glens.
12.30pm, HAH! Well whad'ya know!! - It's just been announced that Tommy McCallion has today signed a three year deal at the Oval - have to say I'm delighted, McCallion was one of the finest players in the Irish League when he played for Cliftonville, and when he joined Derry City 4 years ago I was bitterly disappointed we didn't get him. If he's still half as good nowadays he'll be a tremendous signing. BallymacGSC.com - No Bull and No Blue ;-)
6th Aug 03. HJK - won 1-0 tonight in the second leg of their European tie, but just as we all thought, still went out of the competition 3-2. I really do believe the Glens blew it this year big time - it really could have been Celtic next week!
Nevin Riches - will be playing at the Oval after all when the season starts this Saturday week! The just released Glens centre-half has signed for Dungannon Swifts and should make his debut for the new Premier League side when they visit the Glens for the opening game of the CIS League Cup that day.
Change - It would appear now even the Glens are prepared to dabble when it comes to experimenting at getting more bodies through the turnstiles. I've just found out the CIS League Cup tie v's Omagh Town at the Oval, due to be played on Saturday 30th August, has now been brought forward to Friday 29th with a 7.45pm kick-off. WHY? (OK, OK now I know)!
5th Aug 03. Glentoran 8 Irish Distilleries 1
Far as I remember this tie finished with 9 goals last year didn't it? Only this time the Dublin side got one! For the record;
Darren Armour 2, Darren Lockhart 2, Michael Halliday 1, Scott Young 1, Tim McCann (II) 1, and Jason Hill 1. Andy Smith didn't get on while Elliott Morris played the entire 90 minutes. Bring on the mighty Duns ;-)
4th Aug 03. Irish Distilleries - are next up for the Glens tomorrow night. The game is at the Oval and kicks off at 7.30pm. I'm delighted to say that once again season tickets will be valid for the game, as they also will be for Saturdays visit of the Duns :-) BTW - the Seconds beat East Belfast 3-0 the other night.
3rd Aug 03. Glentoran 2 Wimbledon 2
We was robbed! Should'a been all over by the break this one, Nationwide League my arse! If the Glens had taken their chances (AGAIN) in the first 45 minutes we could all have been in the club by 3 o'clock! (errr ... I was actually ;-) As it happened though it was just an Andy Smith penalty that separated the two sides at the interval. Kevin Keegan I have to say must be wishing he was playing against the Wimbledon left back every week, he gave him a friggin
headache all afternoon - a good wee winger is our Kevin, a centre forward though he certainly isn't. Remember that miss against HJK? Well poor old Kev did it again, get it sorted mate, I'm starting to get a wee bit concerned!
Wimbledon must'a got a real ballockin at half time, staring defeat in the face by our wee geg team they were working much harder now, although it did take them till almost 15 minutes from time to get an equalizer. Right out of the blue Patrick Agyemang danced past three Glentoran defenders along the Glens 18 yard line before crackin a beauty beyond stand in keeper Paul Kee. With the Glens now looking a bit sorry for themselves the Dons took a very undeserved lead with only a minute to go. Agyemong again was involved, setting up Adam Nowland to slot it home, here we go again.
The best however was most definitely saved till last, with all eyes on the referee in injury time and the Wimbledon supporter howling for the final whistle, up popped Darren Lockhart. Locky found himself way out on the touch line just below the main stand, about a third of the length of the pitch from the Wimbledon goal at the Dee Street end. With three defenders between himself and goal Locky had absolutely nowhere to go, and sure the game was all but over anyway. Not so thought Locky, he looked up, saw the keeper off his line, and lobbed it all of 30 yards over everyone and into the net off the far post! The biggest cheer of the day by far, and a sure candidate for goal of the season two weeks before it's began! So 2-2 it finished, and as I said earlier - we really was robbed, Wimbledon will probably get promoted!
2nd Aug 03. LIKE THE NEW AWAY KIT? - I'm not so sure - have a look for yourself HERE
Player news - Elliott Morris is on the mend, he was at the Oval yesterday and hopes to be back in action very soon. Chris Walker was also there, he tells me that although it'll be 6 weeks before he can play again, he can still train with the rest of the squad, physical contact on the other hand is a no no until the fracture heals.
Almost there - New PC coming this week folks, in the meantime I've posted a wee taster from Finland above ;-)
OOOPS!! - Would anyone who joined the BallymacGSC.com mailing list in the last three weeks or so please do so again, made a bit of a boo boo - sorrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyy ;-)
1st Aug 03. Glentoran v Wimbledon - English 1st Division club Wimbledon call in at the Oval tomorrow on their one match whistle stop tour of our wee country. Not many familiar names in the Wimbledon team nowadays but after winning all 4 of their pre season games so far and scoring 19 goals, Smicker and co will have to be on their toes tomorrow. Kick off is at 2.00pm and "season tickets are valid" for this game, if you dont have a season ticket it will cost £5 to get in.
East Belfast v Glentoran XI - Tonight at Inverary playing fields off the Holywood Road sees a Glentoran team, mainly made up from the seconds take on Junior team East Belfast on their patch, kick off 7.00pm.
