It’s official – Everton legend Duncan Ferguson is back in football management, having taken over at Irish club Glentoran FC.

It had been reported ahead of the weekend that Ferguson was set to take over at The Oval, and the east Belfast-based club have confirmed this morning that he is now in place.

Ferguson is said to have signed a ‘multi-year contract’ with the club, and this will be his third managerial job, having had spells at Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Ferguson, of course, also had two interim manager spells at Everton.

The first of those spells came in December 2019, and he would eventually become an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti. He also worked under Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard.

He’s had a bit of a mixed bag so far, but Ferguson is now embarking on a new challenge, and he has now shared some thoughts about the project.

Duncan Ferguson gives his first words after becoming Glentoran manager

The club have today published the first words of Ferguson, who is beyond excited about his new role. He said (via Glentoran official): “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.

“The more I spoke with Ali and Paul, 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.”

Ferguson also spoke about his desire to embed himself in the culture of Belfast and wanting to get to know the wider community, which will of course come as little surprise to Everton fans.

Ferguson expected to deliver title at Glentoran

Glentoran’s move for Ferguson is left-field and has come as a bit of a surprise, with the club having interviewed several other candidates after parting company with Declan Devin around a month ago. Supposedly, Jim Magilton was their initial choice, but he made it clear he wasn’t leaving Cliftonville.

The club pivoted to Ferguson and his star power, and the hope now is that he can deliver silverware at The Oval.

Glentoran have not won the league title since 2009, and the hierarchy believe that, despite his unfamiliarity with the NIFL Premiership, he is a risk worth taking.

Currently, Glentoran sit third in the table, but 11 points adrift of leaders Coleraine. But a run of four wins and a draw in their past five league games under interim boss Paddy McCourt provides a good basis for Ferguson.

No doubt Evertonians far and wide will wish Big Dunc well in his new job.