Glentoran boss Mick McDermott says it’s unfair and simplistic to slap a “big spending” label on the East Belfast club’s recent return to the top table of Irish League football
He also believes his players deserve more credit for going toe-to-toe with reigning champions Linfield at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.
Ali Pour’s takeover in the summer of 2019 has reaped obvious benefits on and off the pitch, but McDermott insists money alone doesn’t deliver momentum or success.
He also claims Linfield still boast a higher budget than the Glens who lie level on points with the Blues following Monday’s dramatic 1-1 derby draw at Windsor Park.
Ahead of Saturday's home clash with fourth-placed Larne, McDermott said: “Considering where we were two or two-and-a-half years ago, it’s a credit to the players.
“They have been superb and I don’t think it gets reported enough that we are only two-and-a-half years into this project and that we have been building a team during that time.
“Yes, we have spent money but we haven’t spent as much as the team we played on Monday (Linfield). People forget that.
"They have had the highest budget in this league for 25 years or more, including this year but people talk about ‘big spending Glentoran’.
"The players have been brilliant and deserve a lot of credit."
The Glens are in the midst of a tough run in the league with Saturday's 5.30pm kick-off against Larne preceding scheduled trips to North Belfast rivals Cliftonville and Crusaders on January 17 and 21.
“The players have been brilliant and they will relish the run we’re on at the moment,” said McDermott.
On Larne, who lie eight points off the leaders following their 3-1 win at Carrick Rangers on Monday, he added: “They have been good games with Larne since I’ve been here.
“They’re dangerous in possession and transition and they have good players all over the park. When they turn up they are capable of beating anyone in this league.”
The Glens are without Conor McMenamin who starts a three game ban following his straight red card for a lunging challenge on Jimmy Callacher in Monday’s draw at Linfield.
January signings Darren Cole, Michael O'Connor and Sean Murray aren't available until next Saturday's Irish Cup trip to Dergview.
- SATURDAY'S FIXTURES (3pm unless stated): Ballymena United v Portadown; Coleraine v Warrenpoint Town; Crusaders v Carrick Rangers; Dungannon Swifts v Linfield; Glenavon v Cliftonville; Glentoran v Larne (5.30pm).
