Former Everton centre-forward Duncan Ferguson has returned to management with Glentoran
Duncan Ferguson is the new manager of Glentoran (Glentoran FC)
Duncan Ferguson is the new manager of Glentoran (Glentoran FC)
View Image
Everton icon Duncan Ferguson has crossed the Irish Sea and returned to management with Belfast-based Glentoran.
The Blues fans’ favourite, who made 273 appearances and scored 72 goals over two spells at Goodison Park, has had previous managerial stints with Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle as well as a brace of spells as caretaker manager of Everton in December 2019 and January 2022.
Glentoran, who finished third in the NIFL Premiership last season have been champions on 23 occasions (second only to neighbours Linfield on 57) but their most recent success came in 2009.
Their previous boss Declan Devine was sacked last month, leading Tim McCann and Paddy McCourt to step in as interim joint managers. They have since steered the team to third in the table with four wins and a draw from six Irish Premiership fixtures.
Everton issue may remain after David Moyes transfer target slipped away for just £25.5m
READ MORE: What cost Everton against Chelsea as nature of injury confirmed in statement
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.
Set Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.
Google Preferred Source Badge
Google Preferred Source Badge
“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.
“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.
“I want us to play with confidence, get forward and give the supporters football they enjoy watching. I am thorough in my preparation and expect a lot from my players. It will take time to put my ideas into practice, but I will be clear from day one about how I want us to play and what I expect.
“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. That is important to me.
“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.”
Everton boss David Moyes