Ex Rangers and Everton striker begins new chapter in east Belfast as he outlines trophy-winning mission

Duncan Ferguson has declared his ambition to bring trophies to Glentoran after the former Rangers and Everton striker was appointed as the NIFL Premiership club’s new manager on a multi-year contract.

The 54-year-old ex-Scotland international arrives in East Belfast with extensive English Premier League experience as both a player and coach, having worked alongside Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benítez and Roberto Martínez during more than a decade in Everton’s coaching structure.

Ferguson will be joined at The Oval by Gary Bollan as assistant manager, renewing a partnership that stretches back to their playing days at Dundee United and continued at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Bollan brings a strong promotion-winning record, having guided Livingston to successive promotions and Forfar Athletic to promotion through the play-offs.

Speaking on the club’s official website, Ferguson said: “I am delighted to become manager of Glentoran. 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.

“I want us to play with confidence, get forward and give the supporters football they enjoy watching. I am thorough in my preparation and expect a lot from my players. It will take time to put my ideas into practice, but I will be clear from day one about how I want us to play and what I expect.”

Everton was Duncan Ferguson’s classroom

A UEFA Pro Licence holder, the appointment represents another opportunity for Ferguson to establish himself as a manager in his own right after years learning from elite coaches at Everton. He spent more than a decade in the Merseyside club’s coaching structure, progressing from the Academy to Roberto Martínez’s first-team staff in 2014 before working under Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and Marco Silva.

His managerial credentials were evident during his first caretaker spell in December 2019, when the Toffees beat Chelsea and drew with Manchester United and Arsenal. He subsequently served under Ancelotti and Benítez, took caretaker charge again in January 2022 and later worked alongside Frank Lampard.

After leaving Everton, Ferguson managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness, departing the Scottish club in October 2024 following the Highland club’s entry into administration.

His playing career included spells at Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle United. He earned seven senior caps for Scotland and scored 68 goals in 269 Premier League appearances. At Everton, Ferguson made 273 appearances across two spells, scoring 72 goals and helping the club win the FA Cup in 1995.

Glens owner Ali Pour said Ferguson’s appointment followed a rigorous recruitment process involving candidates from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia.

“His football knowledge, experience and determination to take on this opportunity impressed us,” Pour said, adding that the multi-year agreement reflected the club’s ambition to win trophies.

“We took the time this decision deserved. We conducted a rigorous recruitment process, interviewing candidates from across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia. We carefully assessed their experience and proposals and completed our due diligence before making the appointment.

“Duncan demonstrated the qualities we were looking for in coaching, leadership, player development and recruitment, supported by strong relationships across the game.”

‘Duncan understands the expectations here’

Sporting director Paul Millar highlighted Ferguson’s coaching background and player-development experience, as well as the contacts he brings to recruitment.

“Our discussions focused on how he would put that experience [at Everton] to work at Glentoran,” Miller stated. “He spoke clearly about his approach to coaching, the standards he expects and how he helps players improve.

“His background in player development will be valuable for the first team and those coming through the Academy. His contacts across the game will also support our recruitment work as he gets to know the squad and assesses what we need.

“This is an exciting appointment for Glentoran. Duncan understands the expectations here and shares our determination to deliver success by winning trophies. I am looking forward to working closely with him and Gary.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, has committed to living in Belfast and becoming part of the local community, stating: “I have signed for the long term and will be living in Belfast. I want to get to know the people at the Club and in the wider community and become part of life here. That is important to me.

“I have heard so much about the Glentoran supporters and what this Club means to them. We have a responsibility to win games and make them proud. Their support has to be earned, and I am looking forward to getting started.”