Duncan Ferguson takes shock role as manager of Northern Irish side Glentoran

Duncan Ferguson has been announced as the new manager of Northern Irish side Glentoran FC in a surprise move that will bring added star power to the Irish Premiership.

Former Newcastle, Everton and Scotland striker Ferguson has signed a multi-year contract at Glentoran and will try to bring glory back to the east Belfast-based club, who are historically one of Northern Ireland’s biggest teams but haven’t claimed a league title since 2009 and have just one County Antrim Shield as their lone silverware of any description since 2020.

Having scored 68 goals in 269 Premier League appearances as a no-nonsense striker famed for his aggressive style of play – borne out by his joint record eight Premier League red card – the 54-year-old spent a decade in Everton’s coaching set-up following retirement. He ultimately became assistant manager to the likes of Caro Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez at Goodison Park, while taking caretaker charge of the Toffees on two occasions.

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Duncan Ferguson (right) worked alongside Rafael Benitez (centre) among others during his time at Everton (PA Wire)

He pursued his own managerial career by taking charge of Forest Green Rovers in January 2023 before joining Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle that September but neither stint was success, albeit under difficult circumstances at both clubs, with Inverness going into administration in October 2024, forcing his departure.

Ferguson was a straight-talking pundit for ITV during the 2026 World Cup, and was briefly linked with the Scotland job when Steve Clarke departed following the tournament in North America, but he now resumes his managerial career at Glentoran and immediately becomes the most recognisable figure in the league.

Gary Bollan – who was a teammate of Ferguson at Dundee United and then his assistant manager at Inverness – will again be his No 2 at The Oval and Ferguson has made no secret of his grand ambitions for the club as he moves over to live in Belfast.

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Ferguson has vowed to bring trophies back to Glentoran (Glentoran FC / Supplied)

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Ferguson has moved over to Belfast to take up the job (Glentoran FC / Supplied)

“This is a big club with a tremendous history, and it is a great opportunity for me,” said Ferguson. “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 [owner Ali Pour and sporting director Paul Millar], 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.

“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.

“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.”

Glentoran parted company with former boss Declan Devine on 14 September and a reunion with former assistant Tiernan Lynch appeared to be on the cards. Instead, owner Ali Pour and sporting director Paul Millar conducted an extensive, five-week coaching search and initially tried to pry Jim Magilton away from Cliftonville to manage the team.

When the former Northern Ireland and Ipswich midfielder declined the offer, they pivoted to Ferguson and although the initial task may be tricky – Glentoran are currently third in the Irish Premiership, 11 points behind leaders Coleraine, while fourth-placed Larne have four games in hand on them – Pour is convinced he’s the right man for the job.

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Owner Ali Pour (left) conducted an extensive coaching search before alighting on Ferguson (Glentoran FC / Supplied)

“Duncan’s appointment on a multi-year contract reflects our ambition to win trophies and our confidence in what he can bring to the club,” said Pour. “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.

“Paul and I met Duncan on several occasions in Liverpool. His football knowledge, experience and determination to take on this opportunity impressed us. Duncan demonstrated the qualities we were looking for in coaching, leadership, player development and recruitment, supported by strong relationships across the game.

“The multi-year agreement gives us the opportunity to develop that working relationship over time. Paul and I look forward to supporting Duncan as we pursue the success this club and its supporters deserve.”