Former Everton and Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson has 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 describes as a "multi-year contract".
Ferguson's coaching career includes being assistant manager at Everton under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez, and two spells as caretaker boss. In recent years he has managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. His appointment follows the departure of Declan Devine in September. His former Dundee United team-mate Gary Bollan, with whom he worked at Inverness, has been named 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. Ferguson said he was delighted to take the job and wants to win trophies. "Glentoran should be challenging for the title and every cup and shield we enter," he said. His first game as boss will be at home to Ballymena United on Saturday.
Owner Ali Pour said the club conducted a rigorous recruitment process, interviewing candidates from across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia before choosing Ferguson. Former captain Paul Leeman, who played 597 games for the club, said Ferguson is a big appointment, though he noted it is a risk given Ferguson's reputation as a number two and his unfamiliarity with the league.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing