'One of the first pieces of business I wanted to get done' - Declan Devine delighted Glentoran youngster has extended stay alongside four other stars

Devine, who was appointed Glens manager on a permanent basis in April after initially coming in on an interim basis following Warren Feeney’s departure, announced 10 players would be leaving The Oval outfit last month as he looks to transform the playing squad.

With Devine’s backroom team taking shape after the return of coach Tim McCann and arrival of assistant manager Paddy McCourt, the 50-year-old has now tied down five players with club captain Kane set to enter his 13th season in East Belfast while McClean, who worked with Devine at Derry City, will remain at the Glens until 2026.

Midfielder Cammy Palmer, versatile full-back Aaron Wightman and striker Jordan Jenkins have also signed new deals.

Glentoran manager Declan Devine. PIC: Inpho/Stephen Hamilton

Devine admits securing Wightman’s future was an immediate priority of his after taking on the job with the 20-year-old progressing through the club’s ranks from the age of six to become an established member of the first team squad.

The Northern Ireland youth international has made 38 Premiership appearances, including 14 last season, and has penned a two-year extension.

“Aaron was one of the first pieces of business I wanted to get done when I came in,” Devine told the club’s website. “I’ve known him for such a long time through the IFA and he’s a young player with huge potential.

"There were rumours he was thinking of leaving as other clubs were buzzing around, but you don’t develop a player from he’s six only to lose him when he’s ready to really contribute.

"Aaron is a Glenman who with the right care and attention and the right focus from Aaron can have a fantastic season and really excite our fans.

"He knows how highly I feel about him and how we can continue to develop him. I’m delighted for Aaron and delighted for the club that such an exciting young player has decided to stay with us.”

Jenkins returns to Glentoran after a successful loan spell with Championship side Dundela, where he scored 24 goals in 30 appearances and was named PFANI Championship Player of the Year.

The 24-year-old signed for the Glens in 2021 but has spent most of his time with the club out on-loan at Portadown, Dungannon Swifts and the Duns, and Devine is adamant he’ll get an opportunity after signing a new two-year contract.

“JJ is someone I’ve known about and he was training with us towards the end of the season,” he said. “He had some significant senior clubs sniffing around him this season but I wanted him here because his year playing every week and doing very well in a good Dundela team has really added a level of experience and maturity to him now.

"I think he’s at a stage where he can really develop under a manager who believes in him and gives him an opportunity. He’s at an age now where I think he knows what it takes to push on to become a success at this level.

"I know he’s got the willingness and determination and he’s got the willingness to put in the hard work necessary. Plus he’s a superb finisher.

"There’s going to be a lot of competition for the centre forward places next season as I’m looking to bring another one in, but I’m delighted to have tied JJ down to a two-year deal.”