Glentoran's new manager Duncan Ferguson will take charge of his first match this Friday away to Coleraine. The former Everton and Rangers striker was appointed earlier this month and has had two full weeks to work with the squad ahead of the Premiership fixture at The Showgrounds. His new side currently sit fourth in the Premiership with 21 points from 13 games, having recorded six wins, three draws and four losses.
His planned debut against Ballymena United was postponed due to a failed pitch inspection at The Oval, making Friday's trip the official start of his tenure. Midfielder Aaron McEneff says the new boss has already made a significant impact. "He has brought real intensity and a lift in training," McEneff said.
The team's immediate focus is securing three points against a Coleraine side they drew 1-1 with just last weekend. Jayden Cooper put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute before Jay Stewart's 87th-minute equaliser earned Glentoran a point. That result leaves the Glens fourth in the table with 21 points from 13 games, a position they will look to improve from under Ferguson's guidance. The team is currently fourteen points behind league leaders Coleraine FC. Ferguson inherits a squad in strong form, unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws, a run that includes a 1-0 victory over Limavady United on Saturday 17 October and a 2-0 win against Dungannon Swifts on Saturday 3 October.
Looking beyond the league, the club has a major cup final on the horizon. Glentoran will face rivals Linfield in the 2026 Irish League Cup Final, a key target for the season. Ferguson's multi-year contract signals a long-term project, but the immediate task is clear. The squad travels to face Carrick Rangers next Tuesday, but all attention is on Friday night's clash at The Showgrounds. This season, Glentoran have scored 17 goals and conceded 11, giving them a positive goal difference of six.
Read the full report at bbc.co.uk
