FORMER Cherries striker Warren Feeney has been appointed as manager of Glentoran FC in the Dankse Bank Premiership.

After initially joining on loan from Leeds United in 2001, Feeney went onto make 108 appearances for Cherries, scoring 36 times.

A 46-time international for Northern Ireland, Feeney had been managing in the sixth tier of English football, helping Welling United to survive in the National South.

So far in his managerial career, Feeney has coached teams in Wales, Bulgaria, and his native Northern Ireland.

It is his third role in the Northern Irish top flight, after a spell in charge of Ards.

Feeney told the club’s website: "I jumped at this offer from Glentoran.

"Any time I've been home over the past couple of years I've been at the Oval to watch the Glens, including the play-off last month.

"So I know the squad we have here and their potential for next season.

“I'm an East Belfast person who has a lot of Glenmen mates so I know what's expected from one of the biggest clubs on the island.”

Feeney started his managerial career as player-manager of Glentoran’s fierce rivals Linfield.

That has led to outcry from Glentoran fans, although Feeney is unfazed by the strength of criticism, pointing to the fact that he played for both of the south Wales rivals, Cardiff City and Swansea City.

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

“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.

"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. First and foremost comes the players.”