Marcus Kane says Duncan Ferguson has already made his presence felt at Glentoran as the players work to give their new manager a winning start against Ballymena United at The BetMcLean Oval on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Officially unveiled on Monday, Ferguson has wasted little time getting his ideas across on the training pitch, with the Glentoran captain impressed by his hands-on approach and the standards he has set.
“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.”
Kane believes the appointment reflects Glentoran’s standing and Owner Ali Pour’s determination to bring success to the Club.
“I think all the players were taken aback a bit when we first heard Duncan Ferguson’s name mentioned with the job,” he continued.
“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 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.”
Glentoran head into Saturday’s fixture five games unbeaten in the league, having extended that run through Daniel Larmour’s stoppage-time winner against Limavady United last weekend.
For Kane, the task now is to build on that momentum while responding to the demands of a new manager.
“Tim and Paddy deserve credit for helping us get back on track,” he said. “We’re five games unbeaten in the league, and winning the way we did last Saturday gave everyone a lift.
“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. We feel that as players too, but we have to give them performances and results to build on it.
“There’s a big few weeks coming up, and we want to keep this run going, starting on Saturday.”
Ballymena arrive having lost only once in their last five games, and Kane expects a demanding test against a side sitting five points behind the Glens.
“Ballymena will probably be relishing coming to The BetMcLean Oval as they know there will be a lot of attention on us with it being the new manager’s first game in charge,” said Kane.
“All the focus will be on us and the new boss in the build-up, and we have to make sure we don’t get caught up in all the noise.
“There’s been plenty of excitement around the appointment, but the manager has made sure our focus in training is on preparing for Saturday. That’s been the message all week.
“It was always going to be a tough game against Ballymena. They are on a decent run of form and have a quality side and a good manager.
“They are only five points behind us and will see this as an opportunity to close the gap. We have to make sure we’re ready for that and give them a difficult afternoon.
“I’m sure the fans will be out in force, and we have to match their energy and give them plenty to cheer about. We want to get the manager off to a flyer, and the best way to do that is with a win.”
Saturday’s fixture is proudly supported by Glow NI as Match Partner and Bodega Bagels and Match Ball Sponsor.
For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Irish Premiership fixture against Ballymena United at The BetMcLean Oval, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/
Read more: Glentoran appoint Duncan Ferguson as First Team Manager
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