Duncan Ferguson takes Glentoran job with title revival his target

Duncan Ferguson has been appointed Glentoran manager on a multi-year contract, returning to management with a club seeking its first league title since 2009. BBC Sport reported that the 54-year-old's appointment was confirmed on Monday. He succeeds Declan Devine, who left by mutual consent in September after two and a half years in charge of the east Belfast side.

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Glentoran are third in the Irish Premiership, with six wins and four defeats from their opening 12 league matches. They trail leaders Coleraine by 11 points. At his introductory news conference, Ferguson acknowledged the distance to the leading teams and said his immediate ambition was to make Glentoran more competitive against them. He set out a desire to challenge for trophies rather than simply improve the club's position.

Ferguson identified attacking production as an area requiring attention. According to BBC Sport's account of the news conference, he considered Glentoran's defending strong but believed they had not created enough chances. He outlined plans for a hard-working side, with demanding physical standards and tactical preparation, while expressing hope that those foundations would support a more attacking style of football.

Gary Bollan will serve as assistant manager. The pair played together at Dundee United and later worked together at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Ferguson's managerial experience also includes Forest Green Rovers, while his Everton coaching career brought two caretaker spells and work as an assistant under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez. The former striker's playing career included Everton, Rangers, Dundee United and Newcastle United, alongside seven Scotland appearances.

Owner Ali Pour said the appointment followed interviews with candidates from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia. Pour and sporting director Paul Millar met Ferguson several times in Liverpool to discuss his approach and the demands of the position. The owner highlighted coaching, leadership, player development and recruitment among the qualities that persuaded the club to appoint him.

Ferguson said discussions with Pour and Millar had convinced him that their ambitions matched his own. He also expressed confidence that he would receive financial backing, rather than announcing any specific spending commitment. His first match in charge is scheduled to be at home against Ballymena United on Saturday, beginning the practical work of turning those ambitions into results.