Conor McMenamin has made an unexpected return to Glentoran on deadline day, departing Coleraine after a disappointing two-month spell at the Irish Premiership club. The 31-year-old winger, who joined the Bannsiders in June following his departure from Scottish side St Mirren, has now secured a move back to his former east Belfast club for what represents his third stint at the Oval.
McMenamin made only three substitute appearances for Coleraine and did not start a single match during his time at the club. According to local reporting, his most recent outing came as a late substitute in Coleraine's 3-0 victory over Portadown the Friday before the transfer was completed.
Speaking to a national broadcaster's sports service, McMenamin explained the reasoning behind his swift exit from the Bannsiders.
Before I went to Coleraine, Glentoran wasn't an option and, as soon as I found out that they were this time around, I said to my agent to get it done quick.He emphasised that the move to Coleraine had been problematic for personal and family reasons rather than any fault of the club itself.
It didn't work out at Coleraine and that is nobody's fault and I have no bad things to say about Coleraine. From a family and personal perspective, it was not meant to be. I am glad to be back here and playing football.
The player cited logistical challenges as a key factor in his decision to leave.
I couldn't commit to living up there. It was too far to travel, and I have family in Downpatrick, and it just wasn't working out, and my partner is from Scotland. These things happen in football.Despite the setback, McMenamin expressed optimism about his return to familiar surroundings.
I'm delighted and I want to play with that smile and that freedom that I did before I came here. It's been pretty challenging the last two months for me, and I probably didn't really enjoy any of the last two months. Now I've got that spark back, I'm happy to be here, and I can't wait to get going.
What does McMenamin bring from his Scottish experience?
McMenamin's previous spell at St Mirren provided valuable experience of winning silverware. During his time in Scotland, he made 64 appearances for the Buddies and was part of the squad that captured the 2025-26 League Cup final, defeating Celtic. He now hopes to channel that winning mentality back to Glentoran, a club he believes has the ambition and stature to compete for major honours.
When I was in Scotland, I got a taste for winning trophies, and it was an unbelievable experience as a player, and this club deserves to win trophies. We have to be able to try and bring the league back here. That's what a big club should do and a big club should be ambitious to win trophies and I hope I can help fulfil that ambition.McMenamin stressed his long-term commitment to the club.
I'm here for a long time and, you know, I'm here to play well and I'm here to win games for Glentoran and I am excited for that.
Can the move revive his international prospects?
McMenamin holds 14 caps for Northern Ireland but has not featured in a green and white shirt since June 2024. He had previously been absent from manager Michael O'Neill's plans for 18 months due to a serious knee injury followed by Achilles complications, making his return to regular club football a significant step in his bid to force his way back into international contention.
McMenamin confirmed he has already discussed the move with O'Neill and remains committed to representing his country.
I actually spoke to Michael [O'Neill] about the move. That is something as a player that I'll never close the door on. It's the best memories of my career. I now need to do well for Glentoran before any of that happens. So, I'll just look forward and do well for Glentoran and hopefully Michael will ring my phone again.
What is McMenamin's track record at Glentoran?
McMenamin's return to the Oval marks his third spell at the club. His second stint at Glentoran, which ran from 2021 to 2023, yielded 39 goals in 80 appearances, establishing him as a key attacking player for the east Belfast side. Prior to his move to St Mirren in 2023, he had become a central figure in the club's attacking play and a fan favourite at the Oval.
The winger's career has taken him through several clubs, including Linfield, Loughgall, Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville, before his initial arrival at Glentoran. Glentoran announced McMenamin's return on 1 September 2026, with the signing marking the club's sixth summer recruitment.
What's next for McMenamin and Glentoran?
McMenamin will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact for his new club. Glentoran are scheduled to host Linfield in the County Antrim Senior Shield first round at The BetMcLean Oval on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with kick-off at 7.45pm. The winger will also face a reunion with his former club when Glentoran travel to face Coleraine in the Northern Irish Premiership on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 7.45pm at the Oval.
Key Facts:
- McMenamin made only three substitute appearances for Coleraine after joining in June 2026
- His second Glentoran spell (2021-2023) produced 39 goals in 80 appearances
- He won the 2025-26 League Cup with St Mirren, defeating Celtic
- McMenamin has not played for Northern Ireland since June 2024 due to injury complications
- This is his third stint at Glentoran, having previously played there in 2015-16 and 2021-2023
