Duncan Ferguson has returned to management, taking charge of Belfast-based Glentoran. The former Everton centre-forward, who made 273 appearances and scored 72 goals over two spells at Goodison Park, has signed a long-term contract with the NIFL Premiership club.
A New Challenge in Belfast
Ferguson, a firm favourite among Everton supporters, previously managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and served twice as Everton's caretaker manager in December 2019 and January 2022.
Glentoran finished third in the NIFL Premiership last season. The club has been champions on 23 occasions, second only to neighbours Linfield with 57 titles, but their most recent league success came in 2009.
Taking Over from Declan Devine
The club's previous boss, Declan Devine, was sacked last month, with Tim McCann and Paddy McCourt stepping in as interim joint managers. They have since guided the team to third in the table with four wins and a draw from six Irish Premiership fixtures.
Ferguson said: "I am delighted to become manager of Glentoran. This is a big club with a tremendous history, and it is a great opportunity for me. I understand the responsibility that comes with the job."
Ambition to Win Trophies
"I want to win trophies here. Glentoran should be challenging for the title and every cup and shield we enter. I know that success here will be judged on what we win," he added.
"The more I spoke with Ali and Paul (Ali Pour, Glentoran owner, and Paul Millar, sporting director) the more I wanted the job. Their ambition matches my own, and I am looking forward to getting onto the training pitch, working with the players and seeing what we can achieve together."
Ferguson is set to live in Belfast and emphasised his commitment to the club and its community. "I have signed for the long term and will be living in Belfast. I want to get to know the people at the Club and in the wider community and become part of life here," he said.
He also addressed the supporters: "I have heard so much about the Glentoran supporters and what this Club means to them. We have a responsibility to win games and make them proud. Their support has to be earned, and I am looking forward to getting started."
