How Duncan Ferguson fared on Glentoran debut amid last-gasp drama against league leaders

The former Rangers and Everton icon saw his NIFL Premiership debut delayed after Storm Boelo forced the postponement of his home bow against Ballymena United last weekend.

It meant his maiden fixture became a difficult trip to The Showgrounds to face the league leaders, who were 14 points ahead of his fourth-placed Glentoran side before kick-off.

That gap appeared set to widen even further when Joel Cooper put Coleraine ahead in the 21st minute to leave Ferguson staring down the barrel of a debut defeat.

That was until Jordan Stewart’s 88th minute header secured a fightback draw, much to the relief of his new boss, whose tactical adjustments and gambles in the second half eventually paid off.

"It's a relief, because at the end of the day you're under pressure, aren't you?" Ferguson said afterwards.

"All of a sudden your first game's away to the league leaders...it's not easy, is it? But the boys performed, they performed great and they did a good job. I enjoyed it when the wee man scored.

"I love it, absolutely...tactics are fantastic, but it's not about tactics. It's about fire and about determination and about running. And my players showed that in the second half."

Ferguson is hoping to relaunch his managerial career in Belfast after two difficult stints in charge of Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He also oversaw five matches as caretaker manager of Everton.

The former Scotland striker added: "I’ve managed in the Premier League, I’ve managed in Scotland...the ball’s still round, the goals are still in the same spot, it’s still eleven v eleven.”

Next up for Ferguson and Glentoran is a trip to Carrick next Saturday before his eagerly-anticipated first home match at the BetMcLean Oval against Bangor on Friday, November 13.