Rodney McAree putting the smile back on everyone's face will be key if Glentoran are to turn their recent slump around.
McAree took over from Mick McDermott during the week with the Glens on their worst run of form in 88 years!
Last Saturday's 1-0 loss to Larne not only made it five league defeats in a row, but it also signalled the end of McDermott's tenure as fans protested at The Oval.
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McAree, who was part of the backroom set-up under McDermott, accepted the reasons behind the supporters' unrest, but he knows how important their backing will be if they are to rescue their season.
“When this club is doing well, the fans are absolutely fantastic and it is up to us to give them the reason to get behind us," said the former Dungannon Swifts and Coleraine boss.
“I understand their frustration; if I was a supporter, I would have voiced it, too.
“But if we can get everyone pulling together now there is still a lot to play for this season.
“We have to get back to winning ways. We won’t have much time to prepare ahead of Friday night’s game at Newry City.
“First and foremost we need to put the smiles back on faces and get people lifted - and the only only way to do that is to get back to winning games.”
It is a tricky opener for McAree as the Ovalmen travel to Newry City this evening.
With three games in hand a win can see Glentoran close the gap on league leaders Cliftonville, but the 48-year-old knows they cannot allow the 14-point gap to get any bigger.
“All is not lost, by no means,” added McAree.
“But we are very aware this cannot go on much longer.
“We need to put together a run of results. Newry is always a tough place to go and there’s no way the recent weather conditions will help the pitch at the Showgrounds.”
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