Duncan Ferguson has declared a shock move to become Glentoran boss as "a great opportunity” with his ambition clear that “I want to win trophies here”.

Ferguson, a former Scotland international striker and cult hero at Everton who also played for Rangers during his celebrated career on the pitch, has officially been confirmed as Declan Devine’s replacement in the Glens dug-out following a lengthy search by the Oval outfit officials.

Speaking to the official Glentoran website in his first interview, 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.

placeholder image — Duncan Ferguson at The BetMcLean Oval following his appointment as Glentoran first-team manager on a multi-year contract. (Photo by Glentoran FC)

“The more I spoke with Ali (Pour, club owner) and Paul (Millar, sporting director), 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 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.”

Ferguson’s managerial career includes time as caretaker boss and assistant in the Premier League with Everton plus time at Forest Green Rovers plus Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Pour added: “We are delighted to welcome Duncan to Glentoran. His appointment on a multi-year contract reflects our ambition to win trophies and our confidence in what he can bring to the Club.

“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. Those conversations gave us the opportunity to explore his approach to management, discuss the demands of the role and understand what he could contribute to Glentoran.

“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.

“I would also like to thank Paddy McCourt, Tim McCann and the first-team staff for their professionalism and commitment throughout the interim period. We are grateful for their work.”

Gary Bollan, Ferguson’s assistant at Inverness, will come in as number two.

Millar said: “Duncan brings extensive coaching experience, from developing Academy players and working with senior internationals to coaching alongside Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benítez and Roberto Martínez. He has also taken responsibility for Everton in the Premier League in a caretaker capacity.

“Our discussions focused on how he would put that experience to work at Glentoran. 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.”