There’s mounting speculation that Gillingham are one of two League Two clubs hunting the signature of Glentoran star Conor McMenamin, but there’s a long way to go as per the Belfast Telegraph.
Along with Stockport County, the Gills are thought to be keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old, one of four players at Irish club Glentoran being linked with a summer exit. However, their manager Rodney McAree insists that Northern Ireland international is the best player in the league, and that, currently, no team has put in a solid offer.
“Conor Mac, as we all know, is probably the best player in the league, and he proved that when we won the European play-offs. He was fantastic in those games,” said McAree.
“I believe he is good enough to play in England or at a high level in Scotland. Whether his age (27) goes against him or not is another thing, but he is a fit boy and a talented boy, and I know he is ambitious and would love a rattle at it.
“There are no concrete offers in for any of them at this moment in time, and it is a case of seeing where we are with them over the summer and taking it from there.”
The Downpatrick-born attacker has had a sensational 2022/23 season, which is drawing to a close in Ireland. He hit 13 goals and 12 assists in 34 games across all competitions, including the European play-offs, where his side qualified for the Conference League. He netted in the 5-0 demolition of Glenavon, capping off a season that saw him called up to represent his country, making a debut against Cyprus in the Nations League.
McMenamin also counts Cliftonville and Linfield as former employers, and he’s likely to be the subject of further intense speculation. Gillingham, revitalised since their takeover, would represent a good chance at promotion, but Stockport County could well offer third-tier football next season.
Writer’s View
You wouldn’t want to be a Glentoran fan right now. They’re likely to lose a handful of players, including Aaron Wightman, who is being watched by Leicester City. McMenamin would be a big loss – he’s 27, and one of the senior members of their squad.
I don’t expect it to be plain sailing for Gillingham, or Stockport, in their hunt for the player. The Irish league is watched closely by English clubs, as it is one of the few divisions they can sign from without meeting certain criteria in the wake of Brexit. Those two clubs are eyeing a move right now, but his form suggests League One would be a suitable destination if a buyer can be found.
You can read more about the attractiveness of Ireland as a recruitment league in our excellent piece from Tom here.
