Duncan Ferguson named Glentoran manager as former Everton striker targets trophies

Duncan Ferguson has been appointed Glentoran manager on a multi-year contract, with the former Everton striker returning to the dugout two years after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The 54-year-old will be joined by assistant Gary Bollan, his former Dundee United teammate, who also worked alongside him at Inverness.

Ferguson succeeds Declan Devine following an interim spell under Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann.

Duncan Ferguson targets trophies at Glentoran

Speaking in Glentoran’s announcement, Ferguson made his ambitions clear.

“I want to win trophies here. Glentoran should be challenging for the title and every cup and shield we enter.”

He also confirmed he will live in Belfast as he takes on the job.

His appointment brings a familiar Premier League name to the Irish League, but his permanent managerial record offers reason for caution. Ferguson won only once in 18 matches at Forest Green Rovers before leaving in 2023.

His subsequent spell at Inverness ended in October 2024 after the Scottish club entered administration.

When is Duncan Ferguson’s first Glentoran game?

Glentoran’s next scheduled match is at home to Ballymena United on Saturday 24 October, with kick-off at 3pm at the BetMcLean Oval.

Their fixture list then takes them away to Coleraine on Friday 30 October, kicking off at 7.45pm.

That second fixture provides an early measure of the challenge. Glentoran are third with 20 points from 12 games, 11 points behind leaders Coleraine, who have played the same number.

Ballymena sit sixth on 15 points, giving Ferguson an immediate opportunity to strengthen Glentoran’s position before facing the league leaders.