For many, Duncan Ferguson remains one of the most-iconic Everton fan favourites of the Premier League era.
It wasn’t quite ‘love at first sight’ in 1994 – the Scot initially saw his initial three-month loan from Rangers as a temporary arrangement to escape the Glasgow goldfish bowl – but from the moment he headed in the opening goal of Joe Royle’s reign as Blues boss, putting his side on their way to a 2-0 Merseyside Derby victory, he became the darling of the Gwladys Street.
Ferguson made his move into a £4million permanent switch before the year was out while later in his debut season, nodded in the winner against reigning champions Manchester United to secure a precious three points to help beat the drop and then picked up an FA Cup winners’ medal at Wembley against the same opponents. Virtually unplayable on his day for opposition centre-halves – particularly in the air – Ferguson embodied the fighting spirit that Evertonians could relate to.
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There was uproar – both in the stands and the dugout – when he was sold to Newcastle United for £8million in 1998 behind manager Walter Smith’s back, a decision that marked the beginning of the end for Peter Johnson’s time as club owner, but Ferguson’s second coming on Merseyside came less than two years later when he re-joined the Blues and there was a second headed winner against Manchester United in front of the Gwladys Street over a decade after his first.
Later joining the club’s coaching staff and having two spells as caretaker manager before taking on his first senior post at Forest Green Rovers, Ferguson once said of the Blues: “It was the best 10 years of my career, in fact they are the only team I ever actually played for. That's what happens when you play for Everton, you forget the rest, the rest means nothing.”
Next month, the Everton legend will give fans the chance to hear first hand about his career in a special night at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic entitled 'Duncan Ferguson - My Story'. The ECHO has two pairs of tickets to give away to the event. To enter fill out an entry form below with your details:
'Duncan Ferguson - My Story' is presented by Since 1878 Memorabilia. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Paul Burton on 07810 560216 or via the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic website by clicking here
