Former Everton and Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson has taken charge of Glentoran after signing a multi-year contract with the Irish Premiership side. The 54-year-old takes over at the east Belfast club following the September departure of Declan Devine. Ferguson will be joined in the dugout by his former Dundee United team-mate Gary Bollan, who has been named assistant manager after previously working alongside him at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Ferguson, who also featured for Newcastle United and earned seven international caps for Scotland during his playing days, brings considerable coaching pedigree to the role. His background includes serving as Everton assistant manager under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez, working under Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman, and managing two stints as caretaker boss at Goodison Park. In recent seasons, he has held managerial posts at Forest Green Rovers and Inverness. Glens owner Ali Pour revealed that he and sporting director Paul Millar held multiple meetings with Ferguson in Liverpool after carrying out an extensive recruitment search that evaluated candidates from across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
Speaking about his new role, Ferguson stated that he is signed for the long term and understands the responsibility of leading a club with a tremendous history. He emphasised that success will be evaluated by trophies, noting that Glentoran should be competing for every title, shield, and cup entered. Former Glens captain Paul Leeman, who featured in 597 matches for the team, told BBC Radio Ulster that while Ferguson's appointment is a risk because he has largely operated as a number two and is unfamiliar with the league, his high-level background will immediately command player respect.
The appointment comes as Glentoran aim to bridge the gap to league silverware, having not captured an Irish Premiership crown since 2009 despite major investment from Pour and a shift to a full-time setup. The squad currently occupies fourth place in the standings after recording five wins and four defeats across their opening 11 matches. Ferguson's managerial tenure will officially begin this Saturday when the Glens host Ballymena United at 15:00 BST.