The Glens have been forced to look on with envious eyes as the trophies have been piling up at Windsor Park.

While the Blues are toasting back to back league and cup doubles, the east Belfast men only have the CIS Insurance Cup to polish up after another frustrating campaign which culminated in the axing of Paul Millar.

Walker was out of the game for seven years after quitting Glenavon but Oval chiefs believe he has unfinished business in local football.

There is a firm belief the now former BBC Radio Ulster commentator can do on Mersey Street what he did on the Shore Road in 1995 and 1997 - taste Gibson Cup glory.

Linfield are streets ahead of their rivals but Walker will be aiming to halt the blue tide and Leeman is backing him to do just that.

"Roy has a tremendous pedigree as a manager and player," said Leeman.

"I think it's a great appointment for Glentoran Football Club and I'm excited and looking forward to working with him.

"It was no secret that Roy was the club's first choice before Paul (Millar) arrived and now they have got their wish. After talking to all the players at the club who have worked with Roy before I believe the future looks bright for us.

"Linfield have set the benchmark for the rest of us and six or seven of their players are now full-time and it is a tough job competing with them.

"But there is still a lot of quality in our squad and our ultimate target under Roy will be to win the league again.

"We weren't that far away last season but we must be challenging for the major trophies and the manager and players will be up for it when the new season starts."

Stability breeds success and David Jeffrey has spent more than 10 years building his empire at Windsor Park.

Millar was sacked by Oval chiefs after only 16 months in the hotseat and Walker now has a job on his hands lifting morale at the club as well as sorting out contracts.

But he proved his managerial credentials at Seaview and anyone who has listened to his analysis on the radio will acknowledge his tactical awareness.

Top managers possess strong man-management skills and in this area Walker scores maximum points.

A committed Christian, he may not like to refer to the Oval as his spiritual home but he has cherished memories of following the team's fortunes as a youngster.

"I'm sure the fans will be pleased to know that Glentoran was his boyhood club as that's always good to hear," added Leeman.

"His arrival is a huge boost to everyone at the club and we are delighted to have a tremendous motivater on board.

"A football manager needs to get the best out of the players he has and Roy can do that. And I'm sure he knows all about us after watching us several times.

"Football is a game of opinions and now he will decide how he wants to shake up the squad. I haven't spoken to him yet but many of the boys are on holiday.

"What has happened with regard to the manager's position is out of the players' hands and although it didn't work out for Paul (Millar) I wish him all the best for the future."