The Board and members of the Glentoran Community Trust would place on record our sincere thanks to Glentoran Chairman Stafford Reynolds and Vice-Chairman Aubry Ralph for their attendance at the GCT General Meeting. A very good turnout of members were able to raise and discuss a wide range of issues relating to Glentoran Football Club, some of which are outlined in more detail below. 

“Walkergate” Vice-Chairman Aubry Ralph readily agreed that errors of judgement were made during the course of events surrounding the managerial appointments of Roy Walker/Alan McDonald. Chairman Stafford Reynolds offered up his ‘unavailability’ at the time as largely the reason for his lack of interjection, he also claimed to have no idea who called the relating press conferences. Both though still insist that Roy Walker as manager of Glentoran FC was ‘doable’ at the time, and blamed the ensuing farce on the speed at which matters relating to his appointment were developing elsewhere. They say they are still in dialogue with Roy Walker as to an offer of a position on the clubs Board of Directors, and that he is ‘considering’ it. After over an hour of some very searching questions and frank exchanges of views, members were left to draw their own conclusions as to how they thought the Walker/McDonald appointments were handled. It's fair to say the general consensus among the body of the hall was that no one on the Board of Directors of Glentoran Football Club came away from this one unscathed.

Ground Move Understandably, members raised mounting concerns on the proposed relocation of Glentoran Football Club. The Oval it would seem is NOT sold. Queries therefore as to the content of the ‘sale’ agreement with Girona were raised, and assurances sought as to what plans the current Board were putting in place to secure the longevity of the football club. What news of a new stadium? Rental or ownership? Percentage? Income streams? Management Company? Why is our only asset, the Oval, still vastly undervalued? Once again some very searching questions were put to both guests, while former GFC Director Will Carson, a guest of Stafford Reynolds, was called upon by him to clarify the clubs financial position. After lengthy debate and yet again some very straight talking it must be said there remain some very serious concerns over the ‘Oval move’ amongst GCT members, and further assurances are to be sought by shareholders at the forthcoming Glentoran Recreation Company Limited AGM.

Elections to Board A perceived ‘lack of trust’ between fans and the Board of Directors was posed from the floor as one of the biggest obstacles to full community and supporter confidence at Glentoran Football Club. Concerns were raised at the current trend of “Co-Opting”, or more accurately “Cherry-Picking” of individuals for positions onto the Board of Directors at GFC. Recent history would highlight that only one or two Directors at Glentoran Football Club have actually been “elected” to their position over the last 10 – 15 years. The clubs own ‘Articles of Association’ dictate that one third of all Board members must put themselves forward for re-election every 2 – 3 years. Accountability for those charged with the running of Glentoran FC was restricted therefore to the major shareholders of the company. Democracy? Given that this was the case, and that the GCT have now put forward four applicants for the Board of Directors at the next Glentoran FC AGM, both guests were then pressed as to whether or not they would be supportive of Glentoran Community Trust’s aspirations. Aubry Ralph confirmed he would, while Stafford Reynolds remained uncommitted.

Pre-Season Friendlies Given the current precarious financial position of Glentoran Football Club, no secret was made of just how important the August 8th visit to the Oval of Manchester United was to the clubs balance sheet. Any concerns as to the pricing structure were quickly countered with the current financial plight of the club – needs must it would seem. For the Espanyol game however, the Board are open to suggestions. Supporters are asked to come up with their own ideas as to reasonable ticket pricing for the game. Why not let all under 15’s wearing the new home kit into the ground for free? 

AOB Debate continued until 11.00pm. Other business included Glentoran FC Shares, Season Tickets, Gate Receipts, ‘Morgan Day’ related incidents and more.

The meeting was conducted in an orderly and efficient manner throughout.

In Closing… After thanking Stafford, Aubry and Will Carson for their attendance GCT members adjourned for a short break before reconvening some 10 minutes later. Members were then asked for their thoughts on the meeting. It should be noted that during the course of the evening Stafford Reynolds had been asked, given recent events, had he considered his position as Chairman of Glentoran Football Club. The intimation was that he had indeed considered his position and that a statement from the club could be expected in the coming weeks. Given that was the case the GCT membership moved that we defer any official release until that date.

** GCT Members with a registered email address have been given advance reading of the above report unedited. Should any member require more details or clarification on any of the above matters, please do not hesitate to contact the Trust Board at any of the contact details given above.

Members will be notified of a further GCT General Meeting in due course, to be held in advance of the next Glentoran Football Club AGM.

Glentoran Community Trust Society Board