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Gareth Fullerton

Warren Feeney reacts to backlash after becoming Glentoran's new manager

Warren Feeney insists criticism from some Glentoran fans won't derail his ambition to bring the glory days back to the Oval.

Feeney was named as Rodney McAree's successor on Monday, in the latest managerial switch in the Irish League.

There was a fierce backlash when the former Linfield player/manager was announced as new boss, with many fans venting their anger at the appointment on social media.

Read more: Ervin sends out clear message to Ballymena Utd fans as he settles into role

Former Northern Ireland striker Feeney says he accepts where some supporters are coming from, but insists he will leave no stone unturned to ensure the East Belfast club is successful.

"I know it's going to take a little bit of time but it doesn't bother me," Feeney told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"I was at Cardiff-Swansea and that's the worst derby I've seen in my life. I love getting talked about and from the other side I am being talked about, but I'm here to do a job for Glentoran."

On the criticism, he added: ""It's like water off a duck's back. I'm here. I want the fans buzzing.

"And listen, there is going to be criticism. I understand that.

"But I want to get these fans behind me and behind the players. And first and foremost comes the players.

"If they are going to have a little moan at me, I don't mind. I will try and get around as many things with Glentoran as I can, with the supporters clubs.

"But I am looking forward to it. East Belfast is a great place, I am born and bred here.

"I went to the school and my kid's in the Academy. My dad was a legend here, my cousin played, so for me it's Glentoran."

Feeney succeeded David Jeffrey at Linfield back in 2014, and led the Blues to a runners-up finish in the Premiership in his first full season.

He left Windsor Park to become assistant boss of then League Two side Newport County in October 2015, and has also managed Ards and OFC Pirin Blagoevgrad in Bulgaria. His most recent job was with National League South side Welling United.

Looking ahead to his new role at Glentoran, Feeney insists the ultimate aim is to help the Mersey Street side win the Gibson Cup for the first time since 2009.

"That's my aim. I'm not going to say I am [going to] but that's the aim. I never set targets but we've got big games coming up, obviously in Europe which are huge," he added.

"But I want to bring that back to East Belfast. I'm sure the fans and everyone will get behind the players for that."

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