Duncan Ferguson's inaugural match as Glentoran manager has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions affecting the playing surface. The fixture against Ballymena United, scheduled for Saturday at 15:00 BST at the Oval, was called off following a pitch inspection at 12:00 after heavy rainfall left the ground waterlogged.
According to BBC Sport, the former Everton striker will now make his managerial debut with the club in an away fixture against Coleraine on Friday, 30 October, which will be broadcast live.
Ferguson was appointed Glentoran manager on a multi-year contract on 19 October, replacing Declan Devine. The 54-year-old, who previously managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, has pledged to restore the Irish League club to championship success after a 17-year title drought.
What weather conditions are affecting the region?
A yellow Met Office weather warning remains in effect across Northern Ireland from 10:00 BST on Saturday through 12:00 GMT on Sunday. An amber weather warning has also been issued for Saturday night, with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 75mph anticipated across the region.
What other fixtures have been impacted?
The disruption extends beyond the men's fixture. The Women's Challenge Cup final between Glentoran and Cliftonville was also postponed on Friday due to the same weather warning affecting Northern Ireland.
Ferguson's appointment represents a significant moment for the club, as high-profile arrivals in the Irish Premiership have delivered mixed results in recent years, with success varying considerably depending on the individual manager and circumstances.
