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Big Bad Dunc!!!
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I just wanted to remind everyone that a new book "In search of Duncan Ferguson — The Life and Crimes of a Footballing Enigma" is published today.
During a time of relegation battles every other campaign, when the club was in dire straits and needed someone to look up to, this guy delivered when he could. Sold to keep the club afloat and then bought back for a song.
For those that had season tickets during the 90s and where too young to enjoy the 60s, 70s & 80s, this guy gave you heart to watch some of the worst football to grace the Goodison pitch.
There are too many classic Duncan moments to choose only one! All I can say is that Goodison has not been the same since he left and I don't think it ever will be.
He has obviously got a few critics but who else could change a game like he could? Who else could put the fear of god up defences across the country? Who else in the modern game would take a £15 grand pay cut to come back with his tattoo still proudly embedded in his arm? Nobody!
Duncan is a legend, nobody has been worthy of the Number 9 shirt since!
Long live the Legend that was DUNCAN FERGUSON.
Gavin Alexander, Posted 01/10/2009 at 04:56:03
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Runing the show against a hapless Rio the season we finished fourth in the one nil versus united was THE ultimate centre forwards performance. My outstanding footballing memory of him! The way he rolled back the years that night and gave evreything from leading the line, being a threat and chasing lost balls was an absoloute joy. With his natural talent he should of had a full career of these nights not regret over what could have been.
Unfortunately legend status breeds inaccuracies - I know i’m going to tell my son when he is old enough about how Duncan used to terrorise every defence in his way scoring perfect hattricks when in reality it didn’t happen enough - but he was fun whilst he lasted.
I used to love the non-footballing stories/rumours - offering stan Collymore a straightner on the roof of the cream is my personal favourite.
Sadly his latter Everton Carear was riddled with stupid injuries and ill-discipline. The Paul Scharner punch in the stomach springs to mind although the face on Jimmy Bullard was a picture.
Through all these up and downs though his single handed destruction of Liverpool in most derbies got me through secondary school. Without him life would have been unbearable for most evertonians growing up, particulary those who are aged between about 22 -30
Ill bet Stefan Freund sleeps easier knowing Big Dunc is no more haha.
Unfortunately legend status breeds inaccuracies - I know i’m going to tell my son when he is old enough about how Duncan used to terrorise every defence in his way scoring perfect hattricks when in reality it didn’t happen enough - but he was fun whilst he lasted.
I used to love the non-footballing stories/rumours - offering stan Collymore a straightner on the roof of the cream is my personal favourite.
Sadly his latter Everton Carear was riddled with stupid injuries and ill-discipline. The Paul Scharner punch in the stomach springs to mind although the face on Jimmy Bullard was a picture.
Through all these up and downs though his single handed destruction of Liverpool in most derbies got me through secondary school. Without him life would have been unbearable for most evertonians growing up, particulary those who are aged between about 22 -30
Ill bet Stefan Freund sleeps easier knowing Big Dunc is no more haha.
LEGEND. Would love to see him get hold of that weasel Masscherano that the red shite fans think is a hard man. Big Dunc should have been one of the best but injuries tell the story; still an Everton legend.
Like mosts players he will have his fans and his detractors, I loved the man (in a manly hetrosexual way) but have to admit he was a frustration also. On his day unplayable but so many times he’d be injured or banned.
As stated above his game against the Mancs when we finished 4th ranks up there as one of my favourite memories of Goodison, along with Cahill scoring against Newcastle the same season and the outpouring of emotion when the teams took the pitch against Villarreal.
He was a collosus that game and will go down as a cult hero for that paired with the game a decade before.
Could go on for hours about the "Big Man" but have to get back to work...
As stated above his game against the Mancs when we finished 4th ranks up there as one of my favourite memories of Goodison, along with Cahill scoring against Newcastle the same season and the outpouring of emotion when the teams took the pitch against Villarreal.
He was a collosus that game and will go down as a cult hero for that paired with the game a decade before.
Could go on for hours about the "Big Man" but have to get back to work...
Absolute Legend. Miss him so much.
One of his latest yet quality goals! The winner against utd at goodison a few years back! Amazing! Also, going off the subject, is the game on telly tonight? Thought it was on channel 5 but just looked in the paper and they have no record of the game being on???
It would be nice if he could come back and sort these thieving bastards out. Stick him in your house when you’re playing away from home and you’ll have no worries.
Its on ESPN Benji.
Nice one, dude! I think if we keep a clean sheet tonight, again on Sunday, we will be defo on our way to a good season! Our confidence is slowly coming back! I mean, I don't think anyone would've thought we’d've beaten Hull away 4-0!! Phil Neville, even though I think he's a good player to have, him getting injured is a blessing in disguise as there is a lot more creativity in our play! COYB
I think 'Legend' is probably OTT for Ferguson; he doesn't rate with the greats of yesteryear, players that won league titles and regularly produced what football fans come to see games for. But growing up watching him and supporting Everton he provided ’moments’ of joy, his goal celebration against Utd was typical of the man. His fame will long outlive his and Everton's lack of achievements since the 80s.
I’m lucky enough (or is it old enough?) to have seen a lot of Everton greats including the golden vision and the holy trinity but Big Dunc will always have a special place in my Everton heart for simply, just being him.
Like so many I remember the great moments and highlights of his times with us but even when he was not fully fit I felt so much better when I watched him going through the motions in the pre-match warm ups. I think it was the notion that there were always possibilities when Duncan played and for sure he was Everton through and through. Truly one of a kind.
Like so many I remember the great moments and highlights of his times with us but even when he was not fully fit I felt so much better when I watched him going through the motions in the pre-match warm ups. I think it was the notion that there were always possibilities when Duncan played and for sure he was Everton through and through. Truly one of a kind.
Football books and player autobiographies really aren’t ’my bag’.
However, for Dunc, and only for Dunc, I will make an exception...though Amazon say’s this book shan’t be released ’till the morrow.
However, for Dunc, and only for Dunc, I will make an exception...though Amazon say’s this book shan’t be released ’till the morrow.
Hasn’t had much publicity this book and seems a mystery to when it is available, as opposed to books by ladyboys and concrete slab weilding scum.
Always thought he was an easy option for players to lump the ball to in his first stint and was pleased he went. The football wasn’t quite so hooffed after that.
Funny that when he came back and wasn’t ’relied on’ as such by tactics that he became more potent...
Funny that when he came back and wasn’t ’relied on’ as such by tactics that he became more potent...
If it was humanly possible I’d have the Big Man’s babies!
He was well off being the most gifted, there was a few loose tic-tacs rattling in his head, the red-mist didn’t descend it a was a permanent fixture, but even with all his flaws he was blue through-and-through and in this age of footy mercenaries that means a hell of a lot to your average punter.
The hat-trick of headers against Bolton will live with me for all the right reasons.
On his day, unplayable.
He was well off being the most gifted, there was a few loose tic-tacs rattling in his head, the red-mist didn’t descend it a was a permanent fixture, but even with all his flaws he was blue through-and-through and in this age of footy mercenaries that means a hell of a lot to your average punter.
The hat-trick of headers against Bolton will live with me for all the right reasons.
On his day, unplayable.
Would he have been a good addition to some of the great Everton sides of the past e.g. Champions of 1969-70 and 1984-85. I think the answer to that is YES. He was great in the air but also good on the ground as well e.g. Crystal Palace in Jan 1995. At a time when we were mostly struggling he gave us something to enjoy! What a pity we never saw him alongside Peter Beardsley!!
I also remember the home game vs sheff weds in 95 when he came out of prison and gave us the one arm clenched fist salute I dont think I have ever heard so much genuine affection for one player from an entire football stadium I was in the park end and the weds fans looked bemused, mind you kanchelskis was awesome that game having listened to his speech at the hall of fame dinner its clear that he felt the same way about the fans.
Its hard to envisage a player fan relationship getting to that level again in the modern game
Its hard to envisage a player fan relationship getting to that level again in the modern game
Joe Royle’s 1st game stands out. He gave us a look at what he could do. get above the best defenders. (Phil Babb excluded)
Michael Jennings,what’s the Collymore story? Also,Duncan is the only player that the MOTD pundits have been frightened to criticise.
i was at Old Trafford that night, John Ebbrell as Captain and Neville Southall wasting as much time as possible to do.
Duncans’ two goals, Schmeicel not even moving. Joy, pity i was in with the Man U fans.
Duncans’ two goals, Schmeicel not even moving. Joy, pity i was in with the Man U fans.
Will never forget seeing Dunc in the bar of the Royal Lancaster Hotel the morning before the 95 FA Cup Final. He was having a pint of lager with Peter Johnson; when I asked him why he said " cos I’m only fxxxing sub!"
Basically the rumour (or should I say downright lie) with Collymore was both players are in the Cream on a saturday night with thier respective posse’s, Collymore and his crew are allegledy slagging off Everton and big Dunc himself. Dunc’s posse gets wind of this and lets the big man know to which the big man tells his posse to sort a meet on the roof of the cream so they can settle thier difference’s away from the camera’s and mass people in the club. Then when Stan the man arrives on the roof he is very apologetic and shits himself in front of our Dunc saying he really respects him and Everton and never said nothing in the first place. After watching collymore shake and squirm Dunc walks back into the Cream and nods to his posse saying things like told ya he would shit himself. Alas a legend is born!
This story varies with everyone you speak to!
This story varies with everyone you speak to!
I fear both the Collymore story and the pint of lager in the morning before the Cup Final are both ’legends’ i.e. didnt happen but make a great tale.
Still I was a big fan of Duncan with the Scharner red card the best bit of madness Ive ever seen on a football pitch. Was it Paul Ince he threw upside down onto his arse at Anfield one year????
Heard an interview with Tim Cahill last year in which he says that when he arrived at Everton it was Ferguson (and Alan Stubbs) who took him under his wing and taught him what he meant to be an Evertonian
Anyone know where he is these days and what hes up to?
Still I was a big fan of Duncan with the Scharner red card the best bit of madness Ive ever seen on a football pitch. Was it Paul Ince he threw upside down onto his arse at Anfield one year????
Heard an interview with Tim Cahill last year in which he says that when he arrived at Everton it was Ferguson (and Alan Stubbs) who took him under his wing and taught him what he meant to be an Evertonian
Anyone know where he is these days and what hes up to?
Seem to recall dancing with him on a table at the players after match celebration, we were there friend.
P.S. Please do not get the impression RA is a footballer
P.S. Please do not get the impression RA is a footballer
Sean,
The pre Cup Final pint sounds like the stuff of legends I admit, but saw it with my own eyes, as did Mr Smitham. I can also confirm the dancing on the table story.
The pre Cup Final pint sounds like the stuff of legends I admit, but saw it with my own eyes, as did Mr Smitham. I can also confirm the dancing on the table story.
Dunc was a great entertainer, great in the air, but his ability on the ground was remarkable for such a big man.
My abiding memory of him though, was at a last home game of the season lap of honour, nearing the end of his career. He hadn,t played that day, so he walked around with the team only. He was wearing a suit and smart overcoat and looked like an Undertaker!. I watched him with my binoculars from the Top Balcony, and instead of just walking and waving with the others, he went directly to the wheelchair section and shook hands and chatted to each one of the fans there! It brought a tear to my eye. He certainly was an enigma.
My abiding memory of him though, was at a last home game of the season lap of honour, nearing the end of his career. He hadn,t played that day, so he walked around with the team only. He was wearing a suit and smart overcoat and looked like an Undertaker!. I watched him with my binoculars from the Top Balcony, and instead of just walking and waving with the others, he went directly to the wheelchair section and shook hands and chatted to each one of the fans there! It brought a tear to my eye. He certainly was an enigma.
The big man kept me going through the nineties!!!
I never get bored of telling the R/S how shit scared carragher and hyypia were of big dunc. I used to love it in derbies when he was warming up and they cut to a picture of Hyypia shaking like a leaf. Legend
I never get bored of telling the R/S how shit scared carragher and hyypia were of big dunc. I used to love it in derbies when he was warming up and they cut to a picture of Hyypia shaking like a leaf. Legend
He was quite notorious around Stirling during his youth and still has lots of real loyal friends here. I first came across a young, cocky looking, giant, whilst working as a student in a local bar(1993) - "bottle o becks" and a big cheesy grin, followed by Rangers songs in the bar (as he’d just signed for them).
I next met him in The Westerton Arms (Bridge of Allan) whilst I had it between 1997-2000. His mates were our bouncers at weekends so he came to show his support to a couple of scousers running the place. He asked for a tab and I said "aye right, like I would ever see that again". His mate says he spends most of his time over in the sun somewhere, and I’ve not seen him hanging about Stirling for a few years.
I wonder if the book mentions the infamous taxi rank story. It’s not in his character to queue up now is it?
I next met him in The Westerton Arms (Bridge of Allan) whilst I had it between 1997-2000. His mates were our bouncers at weekends so he came to show his support to a couple of scousers running the place. He asked for a tab and I said "aye right, like I would ever see that again". His mate says he spends most of his time over in the sun somewhere, and I’ve not seen him hanging about Stirling for a few years.
I wonder if the book mentions the infamous taxi rank story. It’s not in his character to queue up now is it?
I was there post Fa Cup Final Party - he was dancing on table and smashed out his face. I think Bobby Davro was the comedian believe it or not ! The one abiding memory of FA Cup Do was limpar taking the piss out of Graham Stuart for hittig the bar !
Anyway, Loved Ferguson, thought he was absolutely brilliant and was simply a hero to me.
Anyway, Loved Ferguson, thought he was absolutely brilliant and was simply a hero to me.
WH Smith have it in stock and its only £6.79
ASDA and Waterstones its out of stock / unavailable (and £9.99).
ASDA and Waterstones its out of stock / unavailable (and £9.99).
I was also at the Royal Lancaster on Cup Final night, dancing on the table with the big fella. What a night! When we got off the table, he gave me his white shirt he was wearing with his kilt and bought me a bottle of Moet. When a told him I had bunked in by telling the doorman I was Peter Johnson's nephew.
The man was a legend who loved Everton an loved Evertonians. Best night of my life... I've still got the shirted signed and framed. Long live BIG DUNC .
Like some one nearly said, If we didn’t have Big Dunc we would have to invent him.
And we all know the newspaper rule, when given the chance to print the Truth or the Legend...
PRINT THE LEGEND!
Roll on 100 yrs and our Great Grand Kids can read on wikipedia how Tony Kay and Big Dunc dealt to the Kray twins.
And we all know the newspaper rule, when given the chance to print the Truth or the Legend...
PRINT THE LEGEND!
Roll on 100 yrs and our Great Grand Kids can read on wikipedia how Tony Kay and Big Dunc dealt to the Kray twins.
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1 Posted 01/10/2009 at 14:38:52
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I still have the infamous Freund strangling as my screen saver... Legend.