Duncan Ferguson named Glentoran manager after Declan Devine departure

Duncan Ferguson was named manager of Glentoran, the Irish Premiership club in east Belfast, on 19 October 2026, BBC Sport reported. The appointment gives the club a new manager as it seeks a first league title since 2009. Ferguson will take the role on what the club described to the BBC as a multi-year contract.

Former Dundee United team-mate Gary Bollan has been named Ferguson’s assistant, according to BBC Sport. The appointment follows the departure of Declan Devine in September. Devine left by mutual consent after two and a half years in charge, during which Glentoran won the 2024–25 County Antrim Shield, its first trophy since the 2020 Irish Cup.

Glentoran’s form before Ferguson’s arrival

McCourt said after the Limavady match that there was more to come from the group despite needing a late winner, according to Glentoran. Ferguson inherits that recent run alongside a longer challenge: BBC Sport reported that the club has not won the league since 2009, despite significant investment from owner Ali Pour and a move to a full-time professional model.

Ferguson’s managerial experience

Ferguson, 54, played for Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle United and won seven Scotland caps, BBC Sport reported. His coaching work at Everton included spells as assistant manager under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez, as well as two periods as caretaker manager. He subsequently managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Former Glentoran captain Paul Leeman, who made 597 appearances for the club, called the appointment ‘huge’ in comments to BBC Radio Ulster. He said Ferguson’s experience at a high level could help the team, while describing the move as a risk because Ferguson had been better known as a number two. Leeman also said Ferguson would need people around him who know the Irish league.