Former Everton and Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson has sensationally been named as the new manager of Irish Premiership club Glentoran.

The 54-year-old, who also played for Dundee United and Newcastle United and won seven caps for Scotland, will take up the reins at the east Belfast club on what the club say is a “multi-year contract”.

Ferguson’s coaching career to date includes being assistant manager at Everton under renowned managers Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez, and also two spells as caretaker boss.

In recent years, he has managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Ferguson’s surprise appointment follows the departure of Declan Devine as manager of the Irish League outfit in September.

His former Dundee United team-mate Gary Bollan, with whom he worked at Inverness, has been named as assistant manager.

Glentoran have not won a league title since 2009 despite significant investment from owner Ali Pour and the adoption of a full-time professional model in recent years.

“I am delighted to become manager of Glentoran,” said Ferguson, whose first game as boss will be at home to Ballymena United on Saturday (15:00 BST).

“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.

“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 (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.”



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