Friday 31 July 2015 19:25, UK
Ahead of his testimonial match against Villarreal on Sunday, Sky Sports’ Fraser Dainton paid a visit to former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson to discuss coaching, Wayne Rooney returning to Goodison for his big day and the possibility of moving into management one day.
It’s nine years since he hung up his boots, but “Big Dunc” still has a great presence as he comes striding confidently towards you.
His huge frame menaced many a defence during a 10-year career over two spells with his beloved Everton. Now a first team coach at Goodison Park, he is preparing for his testimonial against the La Liga side.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I’m getting a bit nervous now, but it’s going to be a very proud day for myself and my family.
“It’s massive to me. I’ve been associated with the club for a long time now, and for the club to give me this honour is tremendous.”
His love affair with Everton began in 1994, initially on loan, but Joe Royle made the move permanent when he took over. It wasn’t long before Ferguson began to feel at home.
“The fans are the number one for me, always have been. They’ve been brilliant with me since the day I came to the club. They’re definitely the main reason why this club is so special.”
He went on to make 273 appearances, scoring 72 goals, and became a cult hero. He left with just the one major honour - an F.A. Cup winner’s medal, but also took a host of precious memories.
“My first game as an official Everton player was against Liverpool in a derby match," Ferguson I scored the first goal and we managed to win the game, which is always nice against the old enemy. That really sticks in my mind.
“Captaining the club for the first time - Howard Kendall gave me that unbelievable honour, that was a great day. Then of course you have the win in the FA Cup.“
Five years after retiring, Ferguson decided the next step was to go in to coaching, and only one club was in his mind. Having initially started with the Everton Academy, he studied for his UEFA licences, and last year became a first team coach.
“I’ve loved it. It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Ferguson said. “It does give me a buzz to pass on my experience to the youngsters.
“I went through that process, and I think the players recognise that, even though I’m a lot older than them, they still remember those days, so if I can pass on a little bit of information, that’s brilliant.”
His importance to the club’s recent history is such that Wayne Rooney has agreed to play in the game, and will once again pull on the famous blue shirt.
“I can’t wait to see the wee man back for Everton for my testimonial. I’m delighted that he agreed to come and play for me.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him, and I’m sure he’ll get a fantastic reception.”
As for his future ambitions, he likes the idea of one day taking another step up the ladder, and moving in to management, though it’s unlikely to happen any time soon.
“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t in the back of my mind somewhere down the line, but I do not want to leave this club.
“I’m hoping I can stay here for a long, long time, and in this coaching role I’m more than happy.”
For now, he’s more concerned with seeing if he can actually still fit in to an Everton jersey.
“There is a chance I will be pulling on a shirt - I’m not quite sure if I will get it on! But there is a chance, and I’m hoping to play a couple of minutes of the game.”
Ferguson has chosen the Lilly Centre - a breast cancer support group in Liverpool, Everton in the Community and the Variety Club as the charities that will benefit from the proceeds of Sunday’s match.
