Former Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as Northern Irish powerhouse Glentoran's new manager..

Northern Irish Football League Premiership powerhouse Glentoran announced on their official website on Tuesday that former Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as the club's new manager.

According to the club's official statement, Ferguson has signed on a two-year contract with the club, which will run until the summer of 2028. 

After comleting his joining procedures, Ferguson, who was interviewed by the Glentoran official website for the first time, said: "I want to win trophies here. Glentoran should be competing for the league title, as well as the various cups and tournaments we enter. I am well aware that, ultimately, success here will be defined by what we win."

"The more I spoke with Ali [Pour – Glentoran’s owner] and Paul [Millar – Glentoran’s sporting director], the more I wanted this job. Our ambitions are perfectly aligned. I’m really looking forward to getting out onto the training pitch, working with the players, and seeing what we can achieve together."

"I want the team to play with confidence, to attack, and to deliver the kind of football that the supporters enjoy watching. I am meticulous in my preparation and set high standards for my players. Implementing my tactical philosophy will take time, but from day one, I will be very clear about how I want the team to play and what I expect from everyone."

"I’ve signed a long-term contract and will be settling in Belfast. I want to get to know the people at the club and within the wider community, to truly become a part of life here. That’s very important to me."

"I’ve heard so many stories about the Glentoran supporters and understand what this club means to them. It’s our responsibility to win matches and make them proud. Their support is something we have to earn through hard work, and I can’t wait to get started."

About Duncan Ferguson

The 54 year-old Ferguson was born on December 27, 1971 in Stirling, Scotland. He is 1.94 meters tall, and was as a Scotland international center forward during his playing career. His son, Cameron, is also a center forward, currently playing at the semi-professional level.

In his earlier career, Ferguson played for Dundee United and Rangers. In October 1994, he joined Everton on-loan. 

After helping the Toffees avoid relegation and securing a surprise FA Cup title win, Ferguson saw his buyout clause triggered by Everton the following summer for a fee of £4 million.

During his first four-year stint at Everton, Ferguson performed well, but he also served a three-month prison sentence and paid a £325 fine following two separate convictions for assault.

In November 1998, Ferguson moved to Newcastle United for £8 million.

During his 18-month spell with the Magpies, he reached the FA Cup final with the club.

In the summer of 2000, Ferguson returned to Everton for £3.75 million, remaining at Goodison Park until his retirement in 2006.

Following his retirement, Ferguson initially worked as a coach within Everton’s youth academy before being promoted to assistant manager of the first team in February 2014.

On two occasions—in 2019 and 2022—Ferguson was appointed as interim manager following the sackings of then-head coaches Marco Silva and Rafael Benítez, respectively.

During these spells, he frequently made negative headlines due to recurring run-ins with Italy international winger Moise Kean.

In January 2023, Ferguson was appointed manager of Forest Green Rovers. However, he was sacked just 18 months later after the club was relegated from the EFL League Two with four matches left to play.

In September of the same year, Ferguson took charge of Inverness, but he was sacled a year later as the club suffered relegation amidst a severe financial crisis. 

Throughout his professional football career, during his years with Everton, Ferguson made a total of 273 appearances for the Premier League club across all competitions, scored 72 goals and providing 15 assists.

Image source: Internet / Glentoran official website