Everton legend Duncan Ferguson, 54, makes surprise return to management as he takes reins at Irish Premiership club Glentoran

Duncan Ferguson has been appointed manager of Irish Premiership side Glentoran.

The former Scotland forward has signed a multi-year contract at the Belfast club in his return to management after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle in October 2024. That was his second permanent managerial role, following a six-month spell at Forest Green Rovers.

He previously worked as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez at Everton – where he was a fan favourite as a player – and had caretaker spells in the Goodison Park dugout in 2019 and 2022.

Glentoran, who have not won the title since 2009, parted company with David Devine last month following a poor start to the season and now sit third having since enjoyed an upturn in form.

Owner Ali Pour and sporting director Paul Millar have appointed the 54-year-old after conducting four weeks of interviews with candidates from within the league and beyond.

'I am delighted to become manager of Glentoran,' said Ferguson. '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.'

Duncan Ferguson has signed what the club described as a 'multi-year' contract

Gary Bollan, Ferguson's former Dundee United team-mate and his assistant at Inverness, will come in again as his No2.

Ferguson added: '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.'

Pour said: 'The first time I met him, I knew he was the man for the job straight away. I just felt Duncan would fit in really well. We’re very similar in thinking.

'He likes to bring the young players through. So I think going forward, we’ll see a lot more of that happening.'