‘You’re the greatest’

Few would argue with him. Who could have imagined last August that on the final day of the season they would lift the Irish Cup?

The boyhood fan has achieved his dream of winning the cup as a manager. All the praise for this success goes to Gary. He has brought together what every manager in the game strives to find and that is the mix of youth and experience and a strong supportive backroom team that can ultimately deliver the big prize.

“My dream came true last Saturday,” said Gary. “It was the greatest feeling ever as a player and manager. I’m so proud of them all. I have played with a lot of teams but this, by far, is the best group of lads I have been involved with. They were outstanding in the final and I believe this is the greatest achievement of any Glenavon team.
“Those successful teams in the past were expected to win trophies, this team was not expected to do anything, so to do what they have done this season is remarkable.”

With Glenavon celebrating their 125th anniversary the timing of this success is perfect, just like they did in their 100th year by winning the Budweiser Cup.

“Sometimes these things happen on club landmarks,” said club chairman Adrian Teer. “I hope it’s not another 25 years to wait for the next one.”

Apart from the obvious glory, along with the cup comes a huge financial boost. “There is £20,000 in prizemoney and then we have a share of both the semi-final and final gate to come after the IFA take their cut, plus ground rent, plus VAT and the cost of security.”

STOP PRESS:

Shane McCabe has agreed a new two year contract with Glenavon.

“I’m delighted Shane is staying with us for another two years,” said boss Gary Hamilton. “He is a quality player.”