Longtime Everton assistant coach Duncan Ferguson was named head coach at Forest Green Rovers on Thursday. This will be the Scot’s first permanent managerial job. Ferguson was previously an assistant on Merseyside since 2014.

The 51-year-old coach was obviously delighted to finally get a chance at the helm. “I’m really delighted to join FGR for the next step of my career, and I plan to be here for a while. We have a bit of a fight on our hands to stay up in League One and I am ready for the challenge,” proclaimed Ferguson.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to come and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club too. Their world leading green creds are seriously impressive. I want to thank Dale for bringing me in. I’m looking forward to getting started!”  

Duncan Ferguson ends nine-year stay at Everton

Ferguson was also asked about his links with Everton on Thursday as well. The Toffees are currently in the Premier League relegation zone and recently fired head coach Frank Lampard. “I was always going to be linked with that job. It never happened for me, but I’m delighted to be here,” claimed Ferguson.

The former Everton player was previously named caretaker manager two separate times during his coaching stay with the club. His first opportunity came when Marco Silva was sacked in 2019. Everton went unbeaten in four matches under Ferguson, which included tough fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal.

Ferguson was also given the reins temporarily for one match last season as well. Everton narrowly lost the top flight home game against Aston Villa. Lampard was named head coach following the fixture.

No bad blood

Despite being overlooked for Everton’s vacancy, Ferguson has wished his former club well. “They’ve had a difficult time. They are bottom of the league, they have lost some games and they are looking for a new manager. I wish them well,” said Ferguson. “It is a fantastic club. There was always a chance [I could get the job], but they’ve gone in a different direction.”

Marcelo Biela, Wayne Rooney, Sean Dyche, and Nuno Espirito Santo have all been linked with the Everton head coaching job in recent weeks.

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