DUNCAN Ferguson has vowed to build on an inspired run of form that has taken Glentoran to third place in the BOYLE Sports Premiership following his seismic arrival at the Oval.
The colourful Scot will take charge of the Glens – unbeaten in five league games – for the first time today when Ballymena United come to town after his arrival in Belfast last Monday.
Declan Devine departed last month following a sluggish start to the campaign but since then there has been an upturn in fortunes under caretaker bosses Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann.
The 54-year-old Everton legend said that, as far as he is concerned, 100 per cent commitment is a given
“I’ll bring a football team that will really run, run and run. I’ll push them as hard as I can and set them up tactically well,” said the former Toffees, Newcastle and Rangers striker.
“Defensively we have been very good but we’ve lacked in creating chances so hopefully we can play attacking football.”
Skipper Marcus Kane says Ferguson has already made his presence felt at the club.
“He has a real aura and a presence about him, and everyone has felt that since he walked through the door,” said Kane.
“What has impressed me is how hands-on he is. He’s right in among us on the training pitch, explaining what he wants and making sure we understand it.
“He’s ultra-professional and has worked hard with us over the past few days to get his ideas across. He wants us to work extremely hard, press teams and make life difficult for the opposition.
“He’ll stop a session to explain something and make sure we get it right. There’s a lot to take on board, but you want to learn as much as you can from someone with his experience.
“You can see the lads are working hard to impress him. Everyone wants to claim a shirt, and we know we have to earn it.
“I think all the players were taken aback a bit when we first heard Duncan Ferguson’s name mentioned with the job.
“We knew the board would be taking their time to make sure they got the best appointment possible for this club. To bring someone of Duncan’s standing here is exciting for everyone.
“It shows the stature of Glentoran that we can attract someone like him and that he wants to come here. You also have to give (owner) Ali Pour a lot of credit. Bringing in a manager with that pedigree shows his commitment to the club and how much he wants us to succeed.
“As players, we can only applaud that backing and make sure we do our part on the pitch.
“Duncan had an amazing career as a player, but he has also worked under some incredible managers, including Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benítez at Everton.
“That’s a huge amount of experience to bring into our dressing room, and it’s a great opportunity for all of us to improve.
“The new boss has his own ideas, and we’re all starting with a clean slate. It’s up to us to show we can put what we’ve been working on into practice.
“There’s a real buzz about the place, and the fans should be excited about what’s ahead.”