How can I watch Duncan Ferguson's first match as Glentoran manager? All you need to know ahead of Coleraine clash
Eleven days after his high-profile appointment as Glentoran manager, Duncan Ferguson will take charge of the Irish League club for the first time in Friday’s Premiership showdown with league leaders Coleraine.
The arrival of Everton legend Ferguson into the Irish League – marking his managerial return two years after leaving Inverness – sparked interest far beyond Northern Ireland.
A cult hero in English football, Ferguson won an FA Cup with the Toffees after joining from Rangers, where he lifted a Scottish title, for what was a British record transfer fee.
Ferguson’s appointment has undoubtedly boosted the Irish League’s profile, and after last Saturday’s scheduled opener against Ballymena United was postponed due to a failed pitch inspection at The Oval, he’s now set to stand on a Premiership touchline for the first time.
From how to watch Friday’s match to what Ferguson has said ahead of the game, here’s all you need to know:
HOW CAN I WATCH?
The much-anticipated clash between Coleraine and Ferguson’s Glentoran will be shown live on the BBC iPlayer with kick-off at 7:45pm.
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
Given Coleraine are two points clear at the summit – and 14 better off than the Glens at this stage – it’s unsurprising to see Ruaidhri Higgins’ side priced as 7/10 favourites with Glentoran available at 3/1.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THEIR PREVIOUS MEETINGS?
The Bannsiders secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at The Oval in September with Lewis McGregor scoring a decisive winner in the dying seconds of injury time after Jordan Jenkins had cancelled out Joe Thomson’s strike.
On the final day of last season – when both teams still had a chance to win the Gibson Cup before Larne defeated Dungannon Swifts – Coleraine sealed an emphatic 6-2 win with Will Patching scoring a hat-trick.
However, Glentoran won their two previous matches at The Showgrounds prior to that heavy loss, both by a scoreline of 2-1.
WHAT SORT OF FORM ARE BOTH TEAMS IN?
Coleraine have been mightily impressive so far this season, winning 11 of their 13 league matches to date – their sole loss came courtesy of a 3-1 defeat against Linfield last month.
The Bannsiders have scored the Premiership’s most goals this term (31, nine more than Carrick Rangers who are second on the list) and star striker Matthew Shevlin sits top of the individual charts (eight).
Glentoran are enjoying a five-game unbeaten run, which includes four clean sheets, but have collected just seven points from an available 15 on the road so far this season.
WHAT HAS FERGUSON SAID ABOUT JOINING GLENTORAN?
"We want to be winners...we want to try and win this year, this season.
"I know it's a big ask, but that's what we'll be trying to do...hopefully, in the future we can bring the trophies back, if not this season, next season.
"I've already been on the phone to some of my contacts...but we'll assess the squad first.
"Everybody will get their chance, a good chance and then see how January comes if we need anything, any strengthening…but, at the moment, everybody's getting their chance.
“We will look all round but assess the squad, we'll make sure we give the boys a chance that are here...if we can strengthen, we'll strengthen.
"And obviously the Scottish league, English league, whatever, it doesn't matter...we'll always look for good players to strengthen our squad."