Glentoran coach has 'been asked to meet' Duncan Ferguson ahead of manager appointment
Glentoran coach Tim McCann revealed he has “been asked to meet” incoming manager Duncan Ferguson as the former Everton striker prepares to take over at The Oval.
After the club’s month-long process to appoint Declan Devine’s successor, it’s expected that Ferguson will be confirmed as boss on Monday.
McCann, who served on Devine’s coaching staff, has been assisting interim manager Paddy McCourt with the pair putting together a five-game unbeaten league run across recent weeks.
Ex-Rangers ace Ferguson has previously managed at Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, while he also served as number two to Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard at Goodison Park.
McCann is set to meet with Ferguson to discuss future plans and says the appointment has generated excitement in east Belfast.
“Some of the staff and I have been asked to meet him at some point to see where we are,” said McCann on BBC Sportsound. “I’m not sure what other staff or who else is coming in.
"I want to personally say thank you to Paddy for everything he’s done, I would imagine (Paddy is moving on). There’ll be some staff coming in so that will probably be the end of Paddy.
"We as staff, whether it’s goalkeeper coach or my position or fitness coach, will have a chat to see where the land lies.
"If they need someone to help them out, bleed them in, I’m quite happy to do that and so will some of the other staff as they find their feet and we will take it from there.
"It's always difficult for managers from the outside coming in, but someone with that stature, presence, knowledge and experience, has been a top pro and international player, it will be a great boost around the club.
"It’s great for the Irish League and it will create a bit of buzz around Glentoran.
"The players are looking forward to it. Now there’s a bit of clarity around the manager job, everybody knows where they stand, let’s start winning games and getting higher up the table
"It has been a tough five weeks, an enjoyable five weeks, since Declan left. I want to personally thank Declan as well for everything he did for the club and for me, his heart was well in the club.
"A new era begins and can the new manager bring the trophy this club desires, which the fans want...when the fans see the players giving their all for the shirt, they’ll respect them and applaud them off the pitch.”