‘We want to be winners’ - Duncan Ferguson sets clear agenda before Irish League debut as Glentoran manager
Duncan Ferguson may prove the main focus of the Irish League football world – and even parts beyond – come 3pm Saturday but the Glentoran manager only has eyes on the prize.
A week which started with the official announcement of former Everton caretaker boss and assistant manager Ferguson as the Glens’ main man in the Oval dug-out will kick off where it counts tomorrow afternoon with a first game when Ballymena United come to Belfast.
With a boost to gate receipts expected alongside the unprecedented outside noise given the Premier League profile of Ferguson, Glentoran will stand under increased scrutiny in pursuit of a winning start to life under the much-discussed appointment.
For Ferguson, it presents a first fixture in which to review his players on the pitch, with Glentoran sitting third in the league standings but a double-figure points deficit off top spot.
"We want to be winners...we want to try and win this year, this season,” said Ferguson. “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.”
His immediate goal will be early points on the board and Ferguson has offered a fresh start to his squad – but with a warning the New Year transfer window may lead to maximising extensive contacts built up across a career in England and Scotland.
“So I've already been on the phone to some of my contacts...but we'll assess the squad first,” said Ferguson. “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."
In a message to a Glens fanbase without a league title celebration since 2009, Ferguson asked supporters to “get behind the team, keep believing”, adding how “it's what you've done for many a year...stay loyal and get behind the team”.