Duncan Ferguson, the former Everton and Scotland striker, has been announced as the new manager of Northern Irish side Glentoran FC. This surprise move sees Ferguson sign a multi-year contract with the east Belfast club, aiming to bring success back to a team that last won a league title in 2009.
Ferguson, 54, previously had managerial spells at Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He spent a decade in Everton's coaching setup, including two stints as caretaker manager, before pursuing his own managerial career.
Glentoran owner Ali Pour stated that Ferguson's appointment on a multi-year contract reflects the club's ambition to win trophies. Pour and sporting director Paul Millar conducted an extensive five-week search, interviewing candidates from across the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Gary Bollan, who was Ferguson's teammate at Dundee United and assistant at Inverness, will again serve as his No 2 at The Oval.
Ferguson expressed his ambitions, stating, "I want to win trophies here. Glentoran should be challenging for the title and every cup and shield we enter." He added that he wants the team to "play with confidence, get forward and give the supporters football they enjoy watching."