GLENTORAN Women have announced the signing of forward Chloe McGlade from Strabane Athletic Ladies.
The 27-year-old arrives at the BetMcLean Oval after an outstanding 2024 season in which she was named NIFWA Division Two Player of the Year for her prolific form in the Strabane-based club’s attack.
McGlade brings top-flight and international pedigree to the Glens, having previously spent three seasons with Sion Swifts Ladies, where she helped the Tyrone club lift the Irish Cup in 2017 before stepping back from senior football to focus on her accountancy career.
A Northern Ireland senior international, she also enjoyed an impressive collegiate career in the United States with the University of South Alabama Jaguars, competing at the highest level of NCAA Division I soccer.
She becomes Glentoran’s third signing of the season, following the return of creative teenage midfielder Mia Moore from Crusaders and talented young centre back Faye Loughran from Lisburn Rangers.
The Glens currently lead the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership, two points clear of nearest rivals Linfield and eight ahead of Cliftonville, who have two games in hand.
Speaking about joining Glentoran, Chloe McGlade said: “I’m absolutely delighted to join Glentoran and take on this new challenge. The club has a winning mentality, top players throughout the squad and a fantastic fan base.
“I really enjoyed my time at Strabane and I’m grateful to the club, my coaches and teammates for everything, but I’ve been itching to get back to playing at the highest level and there’s no better team domestically to join than Glentoran.
“I’ve been training with the squad recently and they’re a great group. The coaching from Kim and her staff has been outstanding and you can see why the team is top of the league.
“My focus now is on getting fully fit, contributing on the pitch and doing everything I can to help Glentoran achieve our ambitions this season.”
Kim Turner, Glentoran Women’s First Team Manager said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chloe to Glentoran. She’s a proven goalscorer with top-level experience both domestically and internationally and she will bring real quality and presence to our attacking options.
Chloe has been open about wanting to get back to playing at the highest level now that her accountancy studies and exams have eased and you can see in training how hungry and determined she is to make an impact.
“Since joining us in training she’s shown great work ethic and fitted seamlessly into the group. We’ll work with her to get her match sharp and once she’s fully up to speed I’ve no doubt she’ll play a big part in helping us succeed this season.”
