Duncan Ferguson has taken charge at Glentoran after being confirmed as the Irish Premiership club's new manager on a multi-year contract. The 54-year-old former Everton star arrives at the Oval targeting a return to the glory days for a team that has not lifted a league title since 2009. The Glens currently sit 11 points adrift of league leaders Coleraine, with Ferguson keen to bridge the gap on the teams setting the pace at the summit.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Ferguson demanded full commitment from his squad while detailing his tactical approach. "I'll give the club everything and I expect the players to give everything as well," he said. Identifying the team's strengths and weaknesses, the new manager observed that Glentoran have been very solid defensively but need to create more opportunities. He vowed to build an energetic side, stating: "I'll bring a football team that will really run, run and run. I'll push them as hard as I can and set them up tactically well."
The former towering striker, who played for Dundee United and Newcastle United alongside his prominent Everton career, steps back into the dugout after spending two years out of football. Ferguson's past managerial stops include spells in charge of Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, as well as two stints as Everton's caretaker manager. He also gained top-level coaching experience as an assistant manager under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez at Everton, and he indicated he plans to call NI boss O'Neill to pick his brains.
Glentoran have struggled to mount a serious title challenge despite moving to a full-time professional model and benefiting from significant investment by owner Ali Pour. Ferguson, who admitted he had previously been unsure whether he would return to management or take up television work, expressed confidence in the owner's ambition to restore the club to its former stature. Ferguson noted their positive relationship and expects continued financial backing as he attempts to end the club's 17-year title drought.