Everton and Duncan Ferguson have a special relationship. Big Dunc is one of the best strikers to dawn the No.9 jersey for Everton and he understands the club culture because he’s been a part of it. Most importantly he’s been a fan of the club himself which is why he’s always so passionate on the touchline.
Ferguson has been a part of the Everton coaching setup since David Moyes days, initially voluntarily working with the academy players at Finch Farm. In 2012 and 2013, Ferguson got his UEFA A license and UEFA Pro license respectively.
In 2014, Ferguson was promoted and given a first team role in the coaching staff. Since then, the Scotsman has remained part of Everton’s first team coaching staff. When Marco Silva was sacked in 2019, Ferguson was named as the caretaker manager until the time the Royal Blues finalized the next managerial appointment. The Toffees were 18th and needed a miracle against Chelsea at Goodison Park.
Filled with excitement and courage, Ferguson lead his side against Chelsea and guided them to an emphatic 3-1 win over the Blues of London. When Carlo Ancelotti arrived at the helm, he wanted Ferguson to stay in the managerial setup and named him the assistant manager.
Duncan Ferguson to leave Everton coaching staff?
When Rafa Benitez arrived at Everton in the summer of 2021, the Scotsman retained his role as the assistant manager. In the dugout and also among the players, Ferguson was an important figure.
When things went south under Benitez and the club management sacked the Spaniard, it was heavily speculated that Ferguson will not only be named as the caretaker manager but may also be given the permanent managerial role. He oversaw the 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa as Everton continued to search for a new manager.
In the final phase of the selection, Frank Lampard and Ferguson were called for interviews and Lampard was ultimately announced as the new boss. The former Chelsea manager wanted to bring his own backroom staff with Joe Edwards expected to take the role of assistant manager.
Suggestions were that Ferguson will leave Everton in search of a managerial opportunity but Lampard asked the 50 year old to remain a part of his backroom staff. Since then, the former Toffee striker has been a first team coach under Lampard.
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After the Toffees miraculously escaped relegation, Everton are now planning for the next season. There are reports that Lampard will make fresh attempts to lure Anthony Barry from Chelsea.
On the other hand, Ferguson, who is eager for a managerial role, is being considered by Blackburn Rovers. According to journalist Adam Brown, Rovers are strongly considering Ferguson after parting ways with Tony Mowbray. The 50 year old is prepared to leave.
Evertonians love Ferguson and as much as it will hurt to not see him in the dugout, it is understandable that Big Dunc wants to pursue a managerial role. Perhaps, the stars are not aligned for him to become the Everton boss right now but he could return to Merseyside in the future.
Will Duncan Ferguson manage Everton one day?