Will McDonagh Released By Glentoran

Will McDonagh

Glentoran stars Chris Morgan, Darren Lockhart, Mark Glendinning and Gary Smyth have signed new contracts with the east Belfast club. Morgan was expected to move to Newry City but the striker will be staying at the Oval for another year.

The 31-year-old former Linfield and Crusaders player struggled to secure a starting place this season. The Glens have released midfielder Will McDonagh, central defender Philip Simpson and winger Gary Browne. The east Belfast side claimed a Uefa Cup spot after finishing second in the Carnegie Premier League.

In his time at Brunton Park Will joined Carlisle from Bohemians in October 2001, with then boss Roddy Collins saying of him : "He is the best tackler I have ever seen and when you get to see more of him, which I'm sure you will, you'll realise that he is one hell of a ball winner."

McDonagh soon earned himself a reputation as a specialist in two fields, the first as a scorer of late goals in LDV Vans Trophy ties and the second as a booking waiting to happen, Will being sent off three times and booked ten times in the 52 games, plus 26 as a used substitute he played for the Cumbrians.

Will also scored seven goals in three and a half years in a Carlisle shirt before he was released by ex-Blues boss Paul Simpson in the summer of 2005. The Dublin-born midfielder then moving back to his homeland to sign for Shamrock Rovers in the Eircom Premier League.