Glentoran boss Devine named manager of the month

Glentoran manager Declan Devine has been named as the Northern Ireland Football Writers' manager of the month for December.

The Glens boss guided his charges to three victories and one draw in the Irish Premiership during the final month of 2024, a run which helped propel his side to second spot in the top flight table.

The Oval outfit were 3-1 winners against Crusaders at Seaview, ran out 2-1 victors over Cliftonville at Solitude, drew 0-0 with Linfield on Boxing Day and defeated Portadown 2-0 at Shamrock Park.

The east Belfast side also began the month by beating big Belfast derby rivals Linfield 1-0 at Windsor Park to advance to the quarter-final stage of the BetMcLean Cup.

"When I came in at the end of last season I felt we needed a reboot, a reset," said Devine who was originally put in temporary charge after former manager Warren Feeney's departure, before taking on the role on a permanent basis.

"We have a good fight about us, a good spirit about us, and the lads enjoy coming into work every day.

"Long may that continue because we have to continue to raise standards, continue to raise levels of performance. We know we have a lot of work to do."

Devine was recently rewarded for his efforts by receiving a new two-and-a-half year contract which will see him remain at the helm with the Glens until 2027.

"Everyone is pulling in the one direction at Glentoran - it's a real positive place and we'll continue to build on that," added the ex-Derry City and Bohemians boss.

"We have to continue and strive every day to get better.

"We have to be challenging for titles and trophies but we have to understand the room for improvement. We have to get that mentality of winning trophies back into the building."