Devine knows he needs 'silverware in the cabinet'

Glentoran manager Declan Devine said he “needs to put silverware in the cabinet this year” after failing to win a trophy last season.

Devine, whose side face Linfield on Saturday [15.00 BST] in the first ‘Big Two’ derby of the season, delivered silverware in his first full season in charge, ending a five-year wait for a trophy by winning the County Antrim Shield in 2025.

However, they failed to win anything last season and finished third in the Irish Premiership, runners-up in the League Cup and were knocked out of the Irish Cup and the County Antrim Shield at the quarter-final stages.

“We licked our wounds and spoke openly and honestly about where we came up short [last season] and this year. I am not shying away from it, I need to put silverware in the cabinet this year,” Devine told BBC Sport NI.

“No one has told me that, but I am in the game long enough to understand that the game moves on very quickly and the expectation at this football club is to be competing on a regular basis for silverware and I am happy with that.

“I want the club to have those expectations, and I believe that we have the squad when everyone is fit and available, to compete with everyone.”

‘Big Two’ derby ‘speaks for itself’

The Belfast rivals had contrasting starts to the league campaign with Devine’s side the 2-0 victors against newly promoted Limavady United, while Linfield were defeated 3-0 by Ballymena United at Windsor Park.

Despite the Blues’ early struggles, Devine added that “form goes out the window” in derbies.

“It is all about who will go that extra yard, who is going to be brave in possession and who is willing to put their body on the line to send their supporters home happy,” he continued.

“I look at Linfield and I think they possess really good players who can hurt you if you are not at yourself.

“The front two alone are two of the best strikers in country, they have amazing experience through the spine of their team and great players, but so do we.”

Both clubs had quiet transfer windows and bowed out of their European qualifiers in the first round.

However, as both teams’ attentions turn to domestic action, bragging rights will be on the line once at Windsor on Saturday before in a County Antrim Shield first round match on Tuesday, 1 September.

“I think of the two most historic clubs in the country, extreme rivalry and absolute hatred for one another,” Devine replied when asked what the derby means.

“Two talented, honest teams and it means a lot to both sets of fans. It is something you have to embrace every time you come across as they are different from any derbies I have ever been in.

“I have had Derry City and Finn Harps, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers derbies which are incredibly fierce, but this one speaks for itself.”

You can listen to all of Glentoran manager Declan Devine’s interview on BBC Radio Ulster’s Sportsound from 14:00 BST.