Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has been named the new head coach of the Irish Premiership side Glentoran in a surprise move.
Ferguson, who also played for Rangers and Dundee United, most recently had spells in charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Forest Green Rovers.
He previously served as an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Everton, as well as Rafael BenÃtez.
He took charge of the Toffees across two caretaker spells and is a beloved figure amongst Everton fans.
Glentoran -- located in east Belfast, Northern Ireland -- currently sit third in the Irish Premiership table, 11 points off of Coleraine at the top.
"I am delighted to become manager of Glentoran. 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," Ferguson said in a statement on the club website.
"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.
"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.
"I have heard so much about the Glentoran supporters and what this club means to them. We have a responsibility to win games and make them proud.
"Their support has to be earned, and I am looking forward to getting started."
It has been 17 years since Glentoran last won a league title, in 2009.
Affectionately known by fans as "Big Dunc," Ferguson famously won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995 -- the Toffees' most recent trophy.
He is the joint record-holder for most red cards received in the Premier League.
- Pedro Neto nets brace as Chelsea end Everton's unbeaten run
- 777 exec Wander, who led Everton bid, guilty of fraud; to repay $500M
"This is an exciting appointment for Glentoran. Duncan understands the expectations here and shares our determination to deliver success by winning trophies," Glentoran sporting director Paul Millar said.
Ali Pour, Glentoran's owner, said that Ferguson's appointment reflects the club's "ambition to win trophies."
"We are delighted to welcome Duncan to Glentoran. His appointment on a multi-year contract reflects our ambition to win trophies and our confidence in what he can bring to the club," Pour said.
"We took the time this decision deserved. We conducted a rigorous recruitment process, interviewing candidates from across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia.
"We carefully assessed their experience and proposals and completed our due diligence before making the appointment.
