Duncan Ferguson, better known as 'Big Dunc', is a tough (and troubled) ex-Scotland international footballer. Known for his aggressive and highly-competitive style of play, the 6ft4" former striker plied his trade at Glasgow Rangers, Dundee United, Newcastle United, and most notably, Everton FC.
In 1995, during the first of his two spells at Everton, he found himself imprisoned at HMP Barlinnie for 44 days. The conviction was the outcome of an on-field assault on Raith Rovers' John McStay, which took place during the previous year whilst playing for Glasgow Rangers. As he was taken away as a ‘prisoner’ to the Glasgow jail, Everton manager Joe Royle attacked the decision as 'incredible', offering him the club's 'fullest support'.
His intense, uncompromising approach endeared him to the Goodison Park faithful, and he enjoys true hero status on the blue half of Merseyside. He proclaimed his love for the club, fans and area, by getting the Everton crest with the number nine tattooed on his left upper arm. He has recently returned to the club as a youth team coach, assisting academy manager Alan Irvine. The current Everton boss David Moyes, revealed that he may become part of the backroom team once he becomes a qualified coach.
'Big Dunc' is the first British international player to be jailed for assaulting a fellow professional on the field of play, but he is able to indulge his softer side with a bit of pigeon fancying.
Anyone who knows him will tell you he is a very pleasant young man. He is no bad lad at all. He has been guilty
sometimes of stupidity, but mostly immaturity. We all see events on football pitches every week and they are a lot worse than what Duncan now finds himself imprisoned with hardened criminals for. We are all amazed and stunned and can't really believe, in a society that seems dedicated to keeping people out of prison, that we are putting away a young man who is in a good job and is no danger to society.'
Joe Royle.
£20.00
