The following players have now departed Glentoran on expiry of their contracts:
Willie Garrett: Willie has retired from football after a torrid period with injuries. An Academy graduate and the first player to represent the club at every possible level, Willie made his first team debut in September 2012 in a home draw v Cliftonville. He went on to make 136 appearances for the club but fair to say it would have been at least double that had it not been for a tragic cruciate ligament injury sustained at Solitude in November 2015, by which time he was fully established as a first pick.
Willie was a key member of our 2015 Irish Cup winning team and was unlucky to miss out on a second medal through injury, having played in earlier rounds and the quarter final in 2020. He also won winners medals in the Steel & Sons Cup in 2012 and the George Wilson Cup in 2014 with Glentoran Seconds.
Willie was always a very willing ambassador for the club, attending scores of both club and supporter events, usually with his sidekick Stevie Gordon, another lifelong Glenman. He will be sadly missed around the club but will no doubt be a regular at matches and club events. Willie Garrett – he’s one of our own!
Joe Crowe: Joe has joined Carrick Rangers. He was signed for Glentoran by Ronnie McFall in August 2018 after a spell with Linfield and made his 100th appearance in our 4-0 away win over Carrick Rangers in March. He made 105 appearances in total for Glentoran, equally adept in midfield and centre back.
Joe played a full part in our most recent Irish Cup win in 2020, starting in midfield in every round. He also contributed strongly to our European qualification this season, having come on as an early sub in central defence in both the semi final and the final. The Sandy Row Mascherano.
Mal Smith: Another Irish Cup winner in 2020, having come on as a second half sub, Mal has joined Crusaders. He was a Glentoran Academy graduate, at the club since he was at primary school and he made 35 appearances, scoring 3 goals for the first team. His most memorable performance was probably an outstanding display in the home leg of our 2021 Europa Conference v TNS.
Ally Roy: Ally has had his contract terminated by mutual agreement after a year at the club. He has returned to Scotland, where he spent the second half of last season on loan with Greenock Morton. Ally made 21 appearance for the Glens, scoring 4 goals.
Darren Cole: Darren has left the club on expiry of his contract. He made 8 appearances in the 2021/22 season.
We thank these players for their service and wish them all the very best for the future.
