23/10/2024 59comments  |  Jump to last

Everton favourite Duncan Ferguson has been relieved of his duties by the administrators handling the crisis at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The Scottish club are in the hands of receivers after talks with businessman David Anderson aimed at keeping them out of administration failed and a Go Fund Me page, which had aimed to raise £200,000 only reached £85,000.

Inverness have debts of £3m, have been docked 15 points and, if they survive, will have to try and avoid relegation from Scotland's League One without Ferguson who had been helping Caley's players in recent weeks, covering their petrol costs and some living expenses from his own pocket.

Ferguson, who has also been working without pay for the past few weeks as he does done everything he could to help keep the club afloat, was reportedly let go today along with his number two, Gary Bollan, and goalkeeping coach, Stuart Garden.

 

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Paul Hewitt
1 Posted 23/10/2024 at 16:15:08
Why get rid of someone working for free?
Kevin Molloy
3 Posted 23/10/2024 at 16:39:28
To think were we paying for the same services half a million quid a year for a decade?

And after all that, he'd left by the time headlock gate came along, so it was all for nowt.

Danny O'Neill
4 Posted 23/10/2024 at 17:08:24
A shame for Duncan. I was never his biggest fan, as I often felt he underachieved as a player and his discipline let him down. I don't think he's cut out for management in my opinion.

I'm sure that won't go down too well with supporters of a certain generation, but injuries aside, I don't think he lived up to his potential.

People will always pick out the goal in the derby at Goodison. For me, it was the one against Manchester United. I was in Swanbourne, near Perth, Australia at the time, so can sympathise with those in that part of the world being awake at a ridiculous time to watch Everton!!

In this case, the circumstances are out of his control.

I wish him well. I presume he still has his pigeons. I think he would make a good pundit. Certainly better than some we have to listen to. Once he gave up his media boycott, he always struck me as a balanced individual, who has a lot of empathy.

Christopher Timmins
5 Posted 23/10/2024 at 17:26:26
He made a mistake when he picked his managerial role, Forest Green and he compounded the error with second one, Inverness.

Both clubs were cut adrift at the bottom of their respective leagues.

Ian Jones
6 Posted 23/10/2024 at 18:01:32
Good luck to him wherever he turns up next. He does seem very knowledgeable about the game, and has a lot of respect from his peers.

I imagine he doesn't suffer fools gladly, possibly cut from the same cloth as Roy Keane.

Barry Rathbone
7 Posted 23/10/2024 at 18:13:54
Love Dunc but, listening to his interviews, I just can't see him being a man-manager.
Paul Smith
8 Posted 23/10/2024 at 18:17:07
Anybody thought to tell him he might make a better pundit?
Danny O'Neill
9 Posted 23/10/2024 at 18:22:21
Whereas Leon Osman is wasted in my opinion, Paul.

I'd rather see him coaching at Finch Farm.

John Wilson
10 Posted 23/10/2024 at 18:23:49
Bring Dunc back as assistant coach.

He improved Calvert-Lewinwhen he was here. We need someone to coach our strikers... Beto too.

Paul Smith
11 Posted 23/10/2024 at 18:54:07
Good point, Danny.
Paul Hewitt
12 Posted 23/10/2024 at 19:29:27
If you actually look at Cally Thistle when Dunc took over, he had them finishing 5th, which was a playoff spot.

The fact they only got 1 point from the first six games is the reason they went down.

Joe McMahon
13 Posted 23/10/2024 at 19:33:15
I agree with your summary, Danny, he could have achieved so much more. And yes that goal at Old Trafford.

I also feel punditry is for him over management.

Paul Ferry
14 Posted 23/10/2024 at 19:37:24
What a surprise! This Everton non-legend is a non-entity as a manager (you don't get that many ads these days saying: ------ FC require new manager to get us relegated).

Maybe Ferguson can go and spend some time in somewhere North Wales with his old EFC establishment crony Sharp and they can chat about their various hurts and self-delusions until the cows come home.

Nice, though, that he reached into his own very deep pockets to help out his players and others up there in Inverness.

Kieran Kinsella
15 Posted 23/10/2024 at 19:39:41
Christopher,

The same is true of David Unsworth who, having seemingly been interviewed for the Everton job, described bankrupt dysfunctional Oldham Athletic as his "perfect" job in the Conference.

I understand someone taking on a challenge but, in this day and age, even if you do really well, you're only a handful of bad results away from going from hero to zero and getting sacked. Once that happens, it is hard to get a new job.

Look at Gary Rowett, for example, another Evertonian who was doing well for a time… or Steven Schumacher, doing brilliantly at Plymouth and taking a punt on revolving door Stoke only to find himself on the scrap heap within 12 months.

Whether Dunc and Unsie are any good at coaching or managing or not, neither of them had a chance at the clubs they joined.

Paul Ferry
16 Posted 23/10/2024 at 19:40:57
Great point, Danny.

Leon is a very intelligent student of football and exemplary professional.

Paul Tran
17 Posted 23/10/2024 at 20:27:50
Duncan clearly has his heart in the right place, but he consistently makes poor decisions.

Became a piss-head hard man instead of a dedicated professional. Took an awful job at Forest Green, then another one at a sadly, clearly fading Caley Thistle.

If I was him, I'd take my time and think hard about my next job.

Tony Abrahams
18 Posted 23/10/2024 at 20:35:58
Seriously, Paul, he got a 5-year contract at Forest Green, which was both incredible and an extremely naive decision, from their eccentric owner, when you think about it.
Don Alexander
19 Posted 23/10/2024 at 20:53:56
None of these Kenwright lackeys, many named above, have shown a glimmer of success in coaching or managing for us or anyone else. In the meantime, they were fully paid-up members of the self-serving kiss-ass brigade who infested Finch Farm for many many years, whilst the club around them regressed to the cost of our fabulous fans.

As for Duncan Disorderly becoming a media pundit… seriously! Are you having a giraffe?

He was sent down for criminal assault on a fellow pro during a game – not even Roy Keane stooped that low – and any credible media organisation have a habit of dismissing staff who decide to be a criminal.

Paul Tran
20 Posted 23/10/2024 at 20:59:49
Fair point, Tony, I hope he got a good payoff with his P45!

Sometimes the jobs you turn down are just as, if not more important, than the ones you take. And I'd be very surprised to see him as a TV pundit.

Joe McMahon
21 Posted 23/10/2024 at 21:11:02
Don, that's a bit harsh; Dunc's heart is in the right place.

The assault you refer to was well over 30 years ago. I also assume you forgot about Roy Kean's assault tackle on Haaland, it was disgraceful.

I do agree Duncan along with Unsworth hung around cosy Finch Farm way too long though.

Nigel Scowen
22 Posted 23/10/2024 at 21:24:11
I've seen lots of instances worse than Ferguson's on a football field when nobody saw fit to involve the police.
Don Alexander
23 Posted 23/10/2024 at 21:38:13
Keane's "tackle" was deplorable but the difference between un-convicted him as a hard man and Duncan Disorderly is that Keane got stuck in in every match (drop him if you dare!) whereas Ferguson took the piss out of us and every other club who signed him with endless so-called injuries and selective red cards to ensure his suspension from deigning to play for us.

Having seen legendary Everton strikers since 1963, I'd put Ferguson well below Young, Vernon, Pickering, Royle, Belfitt, Johnson, Latchford, Harper, McKenzie, Smallman, Biley, Wright, Gray, Heath, Lineker, Clarke, Cottee, McBride, Rideout, Amokachi, Andy Johnson, Campbell, Beattie, Stracqualursi, Jo, Niasse, Richarlison and Tosun in terms of what I want from a whole-hearted professional.

Lee Courtliff
24 Posted 23/10/2024 at 21:40:32
Oldham are doing well this season, in the top 6 and now far off the top after a slowish start. I keep an eye on them due to the obvious Everton connection and their Cup runs during the 1989-90 season, which was my first full season watching football. I hope Unsie gets them up.

Big fan of Duncan, although he definitely underachieved given his huge potential, but those days in the 90s I will never forget. Not sure he's cut out for management but good luck to him.

Tony Abrahams
25 Posted 23/10/2024 at 21:43:58
Unsworth has been long gone from Oldham Athletic, Lee.

Their current manager is Mickey Mellon, formerly of Tranmere Rovers.
Eric Myles
26 Posted 24/10/2024 at 01:49:18
Paul #14,

"Nice, though, that he reached into his own very deep pockets to help out his players and others up there in Inverness."

I seem to remember Ferguson was bankrupt at one time.

Paul #17, Forest Green are currently second in their league, I believe.

Jerome Shields
27 Posted 24/10/2024 at 04:46:26
I remember Duncan joining Everton on £34,000 per week. A friend whose son went to College in Dundee had the whole run down on him.

He was a welcome addition to the Everton attack and there was no questioning his commitment, though he did get sent off a bit. I forgave all when I learnt that he kept pigeons. And I have great memories, including the goal against Man Utd in the FA Cup.

I admired him working voluntarily with Everton Youth and his gradual build up coaching, after what must have been the real trauma of being declared bankrupt. Naturally enough, he sought comfort and security for his family as part of a Kenwright's parental regime.

He kept his place in the managerial team after that took the hit, which I partly blamed on a self-serving clique within Everton who worked to the parameters that suits their aims. Even against a managerial team that tried to improve things.

But by far my big gripe regarding Duncan was his supposed attacking coaching role, particularly in the case of Calvert-Lewin, who had the ability to be a top striker, but completely lacked any evidence of basic attacking coaching development. I also doubt he was coached on finishing.

On £500,000 a year what was Duncan doing other than carrying kitbags which, when performances were poor, he seemed to be carrying them off somewhere. I concluded that basically Duncan was a yesman for his wages. I understand I have had to eat humble pie myself and like it. Pride having to play second fiddle.

Once he left to pursue his managerial career too late, it was obvious that he had had doubts about his managerial ability beyond the parental comfort and security of Everton.

I hope he does find a role that suits him that he is happy at. I still think of him as an Evertonian and a victim of self-serving Kenwright & Co. He does come across as a good family man which is an achievement in itself and to his credit. All the best to him and his family.

Lee Courtliff
28 Posted 24/10/2024 at 07:12:48
Bloody Hell, Tony, I didn't realise that as I just look at their results and the odd glance at the table.

Still, I hope they come up again, always had a soft spot for them.

Jerome Shields
29 Posted 24/10/2024 at 07:27:24
Duncan Ferguson's son Cameron plays for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

So a difficult time for them both.

Steve Shave
30 Posted 24/10/2024 at 07:28:39
I am sorry to hear this big man, sounds harsh but I am sure he'll bounce back.

I know he got lumbered with the whole "Kenwright's cronies" label but I liked having him involved in the club.

Whilst never a great ambassador for EFC, he got us and is one of us and he sure knows how to stoke the cauldron. My favourite Dunc memory is the Chelsea game when he hugged the ball boy! Magical.

He doesn't really strike me as a manager either but Carlo rated him as a coach. I agree with Danny: striker coach!

Jerome Shields
31 Posted 24/10/2024 at 07:55:22
His biography Big Dunc coming out at the end of next year will be interesting.
Danny O'Neill
32 Posted 24/10/2024 at 08:10:35
That's a very balanced viewpoint, Jerome.

I've already commented on Duncan the player. I don't know the ins and outs, but Duncan seemed to struggle as a first team coach.

I still think there is a place for him at the club. Just not on the first-team bench. He'll always be welcome back in whatever capacity that could be.

Danny O'Neill
33 Posted 24/10/2024 at 08:19:38
Tranmere about to become the next Wrexham?

Cue a documentary series if it comes off??

Mark Murphy
34 Posted 24/10/2024 at 08:39:50
I thought we were moving on from all that jobs for the boys shit? BMD = rebirth.

As a proper serious absolutely nil satis club driven by ambition and hard-nosed businessmen, not a “lovely family club” full of rose-tinted memories and ghosts.

Dave Abrahams
35 Posted 24/10/2024 at 09:51:43
Don (23),

I understand your dislike of Ferguson's application to the job but you've put some absolute plums ahead of him in that list!

Tony Abrahams
36 Posted 24/10/2024 at 10:13:05
The thing that surprised me is that he never went with Ancelotti to Real Madrid, unless he thought he had real a chance of getting the Everton job himself.

Although saying Duncan went into management too late makes a whole lot of sense to me, Jerome.

Jerome Shields
37 Posted 24/10/2024 at 11:57:59
Tony #36,

Even if he did get that offer, he would have come down on the side of comfort and security at Everton. I thought at the time when he was asked about the manager's job, he did not want to risk getting the job and then being sacked with a payoff.

He was more interested in a secure wage and secure employment. When he came into the limelight before that, he stated that he would only take the manager's job if ready.

I was just thinking if he had gone to Real Madrid, it would have opened up more possibilities for his son who is an Inverness player, who probably has a problem.

I think his wife seems pretty steady, would be more family-orientated and thinking of children at home. When you would go through the trauma of bankruptcy, any decisions after that will take the safest route.

I'm sure, like me, you would not blame him for that. I would say Janice would think like an Evertonian regarding Kenwright and Moshiri.

Peter Mills
38 Posted 24/10/2024 at 12:06:37
Dave #35 - Wonderful.

Mickey Walsh will have his nose pushed out of joint if he ever sees he's not on the list.

Paul Hewitt
39 Posted 24/10/2024 at 12:15:04
Duncan should have left Everton when Carlo got the job.

Duncan had done a good job as caretaker manager and his stock was high. He could have probably got a decent job as well.

Dave Abrahams
40 Posted 24/10/2024 at 12:21:06
Peter (38),

Yes, poor Mickey Walsh left scowling being left out while Bernie Wright, Belfitt, Biley and a few more walking round delighted at sneaking on to the list!

Chris Jenkins
41 Posted 24/10/2024 at 16:59:01
Paul Ferry #14

A thoroughly unpleasant comment in my view re Duncan Ferguson.

I find it difficult to comprehend the basis for your assertion that he has very deep pockets as I suspect that you are not remotely au fait with his personal financial situation, nor are you ever likely to be in that position. Are you basing your statement purely on hearsay?

Regarding his two managerial appointments at Forest Green and Inverness CT, most objective assessments, by knowledgeable football commentators, were that he inherited extremely difficult situations at both clubs. To describe him as a non-entity manager on the basis of his performance at those two struggling clubs is arguably without merit.

Finally what is the relevance of the reference to Graeme Sharp?

Liam Mogan
42 Posted 24/10/2024 at 18:05:13
Brett Angell and Stuart Barlow have started a counselling group to support those left off of Don's list.
Paul Ferry
43 Posted 24/10/2024 at 19:28:46
Eric (26):

Ferguson declared bankruptcy at the start of 2016. It was strategic to avoid creditors/debts, something I have always found shitty.

Ferguson then struck gold as the lying narcissist gifted him £500,000 a year plus bonuses (for what?). As I said, Eric, deep pockets.

That's for you too Chris Jenkins (41). Unless, needless to say, you both feel that £500,000 a year plus bonuses is small change? Lucky you!

Peter Mills
46 Posted 24/10/2024 at 19:59:32
Liam - Mike Trebilcock has applied, quoting one jammy match he had in 1966.
Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 24/10/2024 at 20:21:43
The Straq has finally retired in Argentina, age 38.

Who could be a better manager?

Les Callan
48 Posted 24/10/2024 at 21:09:07
We went to one of the clubs lunches to celebrate my son's 18th way back when. Dunc was first to arrive and last to leave. He signed every autograph book available.

This was in marked contrast to some of the other players who couldn't wait to go as soon as the lunch had been served.

Don Alexander
49 Posted 25/10/2024 at 00:13:04
Dave (#40&35), apologies for omitting the legendary Mickey Walsh.

That said, like you and many a true Blue I hope, I've always treasured my plums!

Ferguson had none for us, or anyone but himself - ever. Nobody from any of his clubs, unlike a few young-uns on here, have ever revered his contribution to them.

Everton that – revering Kenwright-inspired mediocrity, for decades!

Paul Ferry
50 Posted 25/10/2024 at 01:52:19
I'm not for one second Les (46) disrespecting your experience. That's a lovely story. It doesn't surprise me at all. Duncan Ferguon was very good with the fans (remember the ball boy?).

Come to think of it, Les, your son's 18th reminds me why Duncan would have been such a better fan liaison officer than Graeme Sharp.

I don't know if he became that person or always was, but that human Duncan you were lucky enough to spend time with, Les, is still in my opinion, and that's all it is, a disappointment as a player and a failure as a manager.

It's hard to believe that someone on this thread would like him to come back to us to coach forwards, given his appalling job with Calvert-Lewin.

Still, I wish him well and hope that he thinks seriously long and hard about his next step.

Eric Myles
51 Posted 25/10/2024 at 07:53:48
Jerome #31,

When I ordered it, the expected delivery is May.

Jerome Shields
52 Posted 25/10/2024 at 08:11:37
Paul #43,

Bankruptcy is a legitimate way to sort out one's affairs. It protects other innocent members of the family, by protecting the family home. If they own a business, it allows the business to keep going, protecting jobs. Creditors do get caught, but they enter into business knowing this is a possibility. 5% of business debt in never paid.

In Duncan's case, I doubt he lived prolifically, but was probably the victim of bad advice or someone he engaged not doing their job properly, particularly when HRMC where involved.

Derek Thomas
53 Posted 25/10/2024 at 08:31:38
I understand Bernie Wright didn't give it his best shot or cover himself in glory... he admits himself he was young and stupid and it all came too fast.

But anybody who (I'll put in an allegedly just for cover, but I've had it 'confirmed' by a very close source) punched Tommy Smith down a flight of stairs in a Liverpool club, then did it again when he came back up for more, gets a pass from me.

Becky Tallentire could do worse than try to coax an interview from a very reluctant talker, there must be a few tales to be told…

Tony Abrahams
54 Posted 25/10/2024 at 08:47:30
Dead interesting to me, thoughts like that, Paul F.

Who coached Duncan when he was coming through all those years ago in his early years in Dundee, I wonder?

We are all victims of what we are told and how we were educated. We all see a different game, my own view is that Duncan, must not have been coached to get hold of the ball enough when I look back at how I viewed him in an Everton shirt.

Two of his best goals both came from him stopping the ball and turning to bend the ball into the far corner of the net, against Liverpool and away to Man Utd, in the game he scored a bullet header.

I sometimes wonder if playing for someone like Brian Clough would have helped him because, if the centre-forward didn't get hold of the ball for him, you simply wouldn't get picked.

On his day, Duncan was often described as unplayable, so maybe it was just down to his own attitude and how he felt; this is probably why not everyone took to him.

I hope that one of the first things the Friedkins do is revamp our academy and concentrate on finding the best coaching possible, in a similar way that Chelsea did all those years ago.

Mark Murphy
55 Posted 25/10/2024 at 09:17:09
Alan Biley!
Now there’s a memory - fleeting, but what hopes we had!
UTFT
Danny O'Neill
56 Posted 25/10/2024 at 09:28:07
That goal at Anfield when he swivelled an put it in the back of the net in front of the Kop was special.

He didn't get enough respect for how good a footballer he was, in my opinion, because he was always seen as a target man.

But injuries aside, he seemed a reluctant footballer.

I won't finish this sentence through fear of getting a slating, but he gave us some good....

Alan Biley. Of those first batch of Howard's signings, I think there was only Neville Southall who cut the mustard.

Phil Roberts
57 Posted 25/10/2024 at 09:52:15
Don, never let the story get in the way of the truth.

Ferguson was under a suspended sentence when he head-butted Paul McStay. He was not booked. A local bobby reported it. McStay appeared on Ferguson's behalf at the trial. He was jailed on the basis of his suspended sentence, not the mild inclination of his head into McStay.

Keane said he was going to do Haarland as revenge. He targetted the guy and I believe ended Alf-Inge's career.

So in terms of violent act, Keane's was far far more. Can't remember the reply I got from the CC of Manchester Police but usual establishment blah blah why they did not charge someone for premeditated GBH.

I wish your hatred did not always inspire your posts. You always come over as a very bitter person. I would love your friends to tell us that you are not.

Mike Galley
58 Posted 25/10/2024 at 10:01:12
Alan Biley!

There's a memory. Wasn't the Rod Stewart look-alike one of Howard's magnificent seven he signed in his first summer?

Big Neville, Mick Ferguson and Alan Ainscow were a couple more I think.

A visit to Google might be in order later!

Dave Abrahams
59 Posted 25/10/2024 at 10:10:20
Phil (57),

Duncan never butted Paul McStay, he butted John (Jock) McStay a relation of Paul. Paul played for Celtic, Jock played for Raith Rovers who were playing Rangers that day when the incident occurred.

Danny O'Neill
60 Posted 25/10/2024 at 10:53:47
I remember when he basically near strangled that Leicester player!!

I also have a recollection of him getting sent off very early away at Charlton when I had taken my son.

We lost. There is a difference between passion and indiscipline.

Derek Knox
61 Posted 26/10/2024 at 03:28:00
John @ 10,

The only coach that is needed for Beto, is the one to the airport! After we have agreed to recoup some of the outlay with a club somewhere.

Do they play football in Outer Mongolia? :-)

Eric Myles
62 Posted 26/10/2024 at 08:16:36
Derek #53 "Becky Tallentire could do worse than try to coax an interview from a very reluctant talker, there must be a few tales to be told…"

Hopefully they'll be in his book.


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