The Mail Bag
Duncan Ferguson
Comments (34)
Why is he not listed in the Everton Legends section on this site?! Surely he deserves to be on there? I've not been to a game since he quit where there hasn't been the iconic 'Duncan, Duncan Ferguson...' chant.
Brian Taylor, Posted 02/10/2007 at 19:35:59
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Hmmmm... now what was it Joe Royle said of him?
Tony Marks
1 Posted 02/10/2007 at 21:25:11
1 Posted 02/10/2007 at 21:25:11
Legend?
I would send him the bill for the medical treatment he had at Goodison and dock him the wages for when he never played! That way we could have rebuilt Goodison years ago with the money we saved.
Legend of the Duncan Ferguson Memorial Treatment Table!
Legend? Do me a favour............
I would send him the bill for the medical treatment he had at Goodison and dock him the wages for when he never played! That way we could have rebuilt Goodison years ago with the money we saved.
Legend of the Duncan Ferguson Memorial Treatment Table!
Legend? Do me a favour............
Dutch Schaffaer
2 Posted 02/10/2007 at 22:07:20
2 Posted 02/10/2007 at 22:07:20
Big Dunc is a total fucking legend. My favourite all time player.
Anthony Jaras
3 Posted 02/10/2007 at 23:03:58
3 Posted 02/10/2007 at 23:03:58
Although iconic, his on and off the pitch escapades would not put him among the legends bracket compared to other players.
How can you compare Duncan as a person or a player to the likes of Big Nev, Dave Watson, Sharpy, Tricky Trev, Reidy...I could go on.
Looking at his goalscoring record, it ain’t impressive..and he was there to score goals remember.
His behaviour on and off the pitch also left a lot to be desired and he missed more games than he played.
All things considered, I love the guy for what he gave to us during a dark time for the club...hope!
His passion re-ignited ours for a time, and despite his obvious failings later on in his career, we never forgot (and never will forget) the early Duncan.
However, Everton Legend? I think not.
How can you compare Duncan as a person or a player to the likes of Big Nev, Dave Watson, Sharpy, Tricky Trev, Reidy...I could go on.
Looking at his goalscoring record, it ain’t impressive..and he was there to score goals remember.
His behaviour on and off the pitch also left a lot to be desired and he missed more games than he played.
All things considered, I love the guy for what he gave to us during a dark time for the club...hope!
His passion re-ignited ours for a time, and despite his obvious failings later on in his career, we never forgot (and never will forget) the early Duncan.
However, Everton Legend? I think not.
Mark Pendleton
4 Posted 02/10/2007 at 23:33:40
4 Posted 02/10/2007 at 23:33:40
Legendary status can be given for a number of reasons. It’s all relative. In a period of unqualified success for a team then players have a more difficult task to become a legend. If you look at Man Utd a number of their players over the last 15 years would be legends at most other clubs, but only a handful will be remembered as true legends.
To me, and it would seem MANY others, Dunc will always be a legend. Had it not been for him there were a few years where there was no hope, nothing to cheer. Yes, he had his injury problems but they weren’t his fault and the abuse he’d get during games was astonishing as defenders tried to stop him. And yes, his temper led to a number of suspensions but you felt he cared. He became one of us.
Think of what Cantona was and did for Utd in their position. He’s a Utd legend.
Think of what Dunc did for Everton in comparative terms. Legend.
And basically i don’t care who disagrees. Many of my favourite Everton moments and goals involve the Big Man and i’m at 32 old enough to remember the Kendall glory days.
To me, and it would seem MANY others, Dunc will always be a legend. Had it not been for him there were a few years where there was no hope, nothing to cheer. Yes, he had his injury problems but they weren’t his fault and the abuse he’d get during games was astonishing as defenders tried to stop him. And yes, his temper led to a number of suspensions but you felt he cared. He became one of us.
Think of what Cantona was and did for Utd in their position. He’s a Utd legend.
Think of what Dunc did for Everton in comparative terms. Legend.
And basically i don’t care who disagrees. Many of my favourite Everton moments and goals involve the Big Man and i’m at 32 old enough to remember the Kendall glory days.
Lyndon Lloyd
Editorial Team
5 Posted 02/10/2007 at 23:45:19
Editorial Team
5 Posted 02/10/2007 at 23:45:19
Like Mark, I think it probably comes down to individual interpretation of the word "legend".
Does Duncan deserve to be couched in the same terms as Dean, Lawton, Harvey, Kendall, Ball, Labone, etc? Perhaps not in terms of either talent or achievement ? and certainly not in terms of on-field conduct ? but what he meant to Everton in what was the nadir of our Premiership existence thus far puts him closer to the accepted definition of what it means to be "legendary"; i.e.
Does Duncan deserve to be couched in the same terms as Dean, Lawton, Harvey, Kendall, Ball, Labone, etc? Perhaps not in terms of either talent or achievement ? and certainly not in terms of on-field conduct ? but what he meant to Everton in what was the nadir of our Premiership existence thus far puts him closer to the accepted definition of what it means to be "legendary"; i.e.
"Today a legend can also be a person or achievement worthy of inspiring such a [traditional] story ? anyone or anything whose fame promises to be enduring, even if the renown is created more by the media than by oral tradition." (Dictionary.com)
Mark O'Brien
6 Posted 03/10/2007 at 00:33:25
6 Posted 03/10/2007 at 00:33:25
In my humble opinion, aged 36 and having the privilege of watching Latchford, Gray, Lineker, Sharp, and Ferguson, I have to have him in my top 5 and award legend status. I hope in the next 5 years I can add Jimmy V. to that list of names.
Dutch Schaffaer
7 Posted 03/10/2007 at 08:01:46
7 Posted 03/10/2007 at 08:01:46
I just hope that in the next 5 years Jimmy V plays a few games. I don’t care about him becoming a legend all I want is a run of like 10 games.
Enough of this injury-prone nonsense, get the lad on the field so we can sell AJ.
Enough of this injury-prone nonsense, get the lad on the field so we can sell AJ.
Paul olsen
8 Posted 03/10/2007 at 08:10:37
8 Posted 03/10/2007 at 08:10:37
No doubt, Duncan Ferguson is an Everton legend. Sure, he wasn’t a classy, silky player. But, this guy has the story, the commitment, the love and the icon mark written all over him.
Runs to youtube to watch some of the Dunc compilations all over again!
Big Dunc, LEGEND!
Runs to youtube to watch some of the Dunc compilations all over again!
Big Dunc, LEGEND!
MARTIN BERRY
9 Posted 03/10/2007 at 08:41:27
9 Posted 03/10/2007 at 08:41:27
A very miss used word, better served for Ball, Southall, Reid,to compare Ferguson with the likes of them is disrespectful and devalues any interpretation of the word. I think that sometimes maybe Sharpie and Joe shake their heads when they hear the word being used with Ferguson who wasnt fit to lace their boots. Unbelievably poor goals per games ratio, all he did was put himself around a bit and keep the pysio busy
Lars Eidissen
10 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:00:34
10 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:00:34
Look closer. Duncan Ferguson’s scoring record, if not appearance record, was VERY good in this modern times. Particularly for a "target man" forward role, when strike ratio can be compared with the likes of Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey etc.
Very few strikers have managed in this day and age to produce one in three over time. Just looks toward James Beattie, Andy Johnson and the spectacular falls from grace for Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and others.’
Also note that most strikers with an excellent scoring rate in the Premiership usually operated there in a shorter space of time and/or for a a top side. To maintain close to a 1 in three rate for a notoriously struggling side - mindblowing.
So we can easily conclude that his on-field achievements very were good by Everton standards and coupled the "X-factor" that one could easily argue that Duncan holds - easily a legend.
Very few strikers have managed in this day and age to produce one in three over time. Just looks toward James Beattie, Andy Johnson and the spectacular falls from grace for Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and others.’
Also note that most strikers with an excellent scoring rate in the Premiership usually operated there in a shorter space of time and/or for a a top side. To maintain close to a 1 in three rate for a notoriously struggling side - mindblowing.
So we can easily conclude that his on-field achievements very were good by Everton standards and coupled the "X-factor" that one could easily argue that Duncan holds - easily a legend.
Lars Eidissen
11 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:07:15
11 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:07:15
To maintain close to a 1 in three rate for a notoriously struggling side - during a timespan of nearly 12 years - mindblowing.
Nick Coyne
12 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:14:58
12 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:14:58
I’m with Anthony on this one. Dunc was a cult icon, a player for a generation, but a "legend"? certainly not for me. Brian Labone, he was a legend. The Golden Vision, he was a legend. Ball, Harvey and Kendall, they are legends. Christ, I could name 1,000 ex-players who wore the royal Blue with honour and distinction both on and off the pitch who in my humble opinion deserve legend status far ahead of people like Duncan.
He was undoubtedly a fans favourite, who I don’t doubt loved and still loves the club, but he has a cult status because his impact was not considerable enough to justify any degree of elevated praise.
He was undoubtedly a fans favourite, who I don’t doubt loved and still loves the club, but he has a cult status because his impact was not considerable enough to justify any degree of elevated praise.
Nelly
13 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:35:52
13 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:35:52
Duncan Ferguson should never be mentioned in the same sentence as Graeme Sharp...it’s disrespectful to say the least.
Kevin Sparke
14 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:52:54
14 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:52:54
If he’d have kept his temper, he’d have been a legend. All too often he blew a stack and we reaped the rewards.
I can remember a game when Madar went down injured in the first 15 mins and the very next play Big Duc twatted the person who clipped Madar.
I can still remember the cheers from the crowd and the ovation as Dunc left the field of play and left Everton bereft of a forward line - match over as a competition 20 minutes in.
He could be unplayable - but his reputation went before him and he cost us dearly in the eyes of refs
Legend?... as a footballer, no
As a ’character’ - yes
BTW is that my old mate Matt Berry from the Queens in Huyton?
He’s a legend - he still owes me a bevvie from Villa away 1983 ;-)
I can remember a game when Madar went down injured in the first 15 mins and the very next play Big Duc twatted the person who clipped Madar.
I can still remember the cheers from the crowd and the ovation as Dunc left the field of play and left Everton bereft of a forward line - match over as a competition 20 minutes in.
He could be unplayable - but his reputation went before him and he cost us dearly in the eyes of refs
Legend?... as a footballer, no
As a ’character’ - yes
BTW is that my old mate Matt Berry from the Queens in Huyton?
He’s a legend - he still owes me a bevvie from Villa away 1983 ;-)
Pete from Nz
15 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:56:52
15 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:56:52
Dutch you have blotted your copy book by my standards. Dunc a legend I am sorry, only his record can qualify him for that, and its abysmal. I am with Nick and Anthony here, an Icon but never a legend in the mould of Labone, Ball, Sharpe, Reid and Arteta
Now thats a true legend. Arteta will be talked about by us fans for the next twenty years unless he joins the RS
Now thats a true legend. Arteta will be talked about by us fans for the next twenty years unless he joins the RS
Jimmy Last
16 Posted 03/10/2007 at 10:05:08
16 Posted 03/10/2007 at 10:05:08
Being a legend is not simply the amount of skill one has, its about the way the fans feel about him - Big Dunc is an absolute lege!!
Neil McKinney
17 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:49:53
17 Posted 03/10/2007 at 09:49:53
I don’t see the point in arguing this too much as it is clear that different people have a different idea of what a "legend" is.
For me, the term legend does not necessarily have anything to do with footballing ability or achievement. If fans are still telling stories about the guy and remembering his actions and performances years after he hasw finished playing, then arguably he is can be called a legend.
I think that it is actually right for Dunc not to be in the Everton legends section on the website as I do feel that it should be reserved for players that achieved more in the game. However, Dunc will always be a legend to the supporters, mainly for his attitude and passion, not for his ability or achievements.
For me, the term legend does not necessarily have anything to do with footballing ability or achievement. If fans are still telling stories about the guy and remembering his actions and performances years after he hasw finished playing, then arguably he is can be called a legend.
I think that it is actually right for Dunc not to be in the Everton legends section on the website as I do feel that it should be reserved for players that achieved more in the game. However, Dunc will always be a legend to the supporters, mainly for his attitude and passion, not for his ability or achievements.
John Holmes
18 Posted 03/10/2007 at 10:20:41
18 Posted 03/10/2007 at 10:20:41
Personally I would regard Ferguson as a legend. For the generation of fans born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s he was synonymous with the club. Of course his record doesn’t stand comparison with the greats but no one’s electing him as one of the great Everton players. But a legend, someone who will be remembered when other players are forgotten? Certainly.
When people look back on the period Ferguson played for the club I find it hard to believe that any other player from that era will be remembered and if only to mark that we still had a team during that time, that there were still highs, then he deserves that legend status.
When people look back on the period Ferguson played for the club I find it hard to believe that any other player from that era will be remembered and if only to mark that we still had a team during that time, that there were still highs, then he deserves that legend status.
patty blue
19 Posted 03/10/2007 at 10:48:17
19 Posted 03/10/2007 at 10:48:17
Anyone that frightened the shit out of Liverpool FC as Big Dunc did is an icon as far as I am concerned.
Anyone know what he’s doing now?
Anyone know what he’s doing now?
davey
20 Posted 03/10/2007 at 11:33:08
20 Posted 03/10/2007 at 11:33:08
Legend?
Never! He was injured and red carded more than anything!
How can you class him in the same category as Ball,Dixie,Labone,Southall,etc,etc.
He never gave the same commitment
Never! He was injured and red carded more than anything!
How can you class him in the same category as Ball,Dixie,Labone,Southall,etc,etc.
He never gave the same commitment
Chris Jones
21 Posted 03/10/2007 at 11:40:19
21 Posted 03/10/2007 at 11:40:19
Re-writing (editing) history:
I thought we had a poll on this site about 12 months ago in which the ’readership’ was asked if Dunc was a legend? And IIRC about 66% voted in the affirmative.
Accordingly, if two thirds of the readership polled on this site say he is a legend in their eyes, then should not this site acknowledge the fact? Otherwise, what is the point in conducting the poll in the first place?
I think an explanation from the editorial team is in order.
I thought we had a poll on this site about 12 months ago in which the ’readership’ was asked if Dunc was a legend? And IIRC about 66% voted in the affirmative.
Accordingly, if two thirds of the readership polled on this site say he is a legend in their eyes, then should not this site acknowledge the fact? Otherwise, what is the point in conducting the poll in the first place?
I think an explanation from the editorial team is in order.
Chris Jones
22 Posted 03/10/2007 at 11:44:52
22 Posted 03/10/2007 at 11:44:52
Addendum:
Have just been and checked, and it was a 71% "Yes" vote.
The editorial comment runs ...
"While ToffeeWeb’s assessment of Ferguson’s Everton career concluded that he was probably not deserving of the status of Goodison legend, the response from TW readers came down overwhelmingly the other way. "
So, why hold the poll if you are not going to take account of the views of an "overwhelming" number of your readers?
Have just been and checked, and it was a 71% "Yes" vote.
The editorial comment runs ...
"While ToffeeWeb’s assessment of Ferguson’s Everton career concluded that he was probably not deserving of the status of Goodison legend, the response from TW readers came down overwhelmingly the other way. "
So, why hold the poll if you are not going to take account of the views of an "overwhelming" number of your readers?
alan mcguffog
23 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:23:20
23 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:23:20
Legend ? Course he is...as are Frank Wignall, Rod Belfitt and Bernie Wright
chris keightley
24 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:43:54
24 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:43:54
Big Dunc or Andy Gray ??
ian Edwards
25 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:51:02
25 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:51:02
The definition of legend depends on your point of view.Any Everton player who scores a winning goal against Liverpool is in my view a legend.
Matty Dunn
26 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:34:34
26 Posted 03/10/2007 at 12:34:34
Duncan = Legend = Bollox
How can people compare him with some of our actual greats. It pains me to see people slag off hibbo an say they hate him when at least he turns up for EVERY game. Duncan was at best a good footballer who had potential to be better. He provided us with some great moments but then so did Rooney ffs.
He was a liability an i’m sure people who paid money to go to charlton a coupla years ago would feel slightly pissed off when he launched into one of his all too often twat anything that moves play!
I loved it when he played but he doesnt deserve the tag of legend. save it for someone who truly deserves it.
How can people compare him with some of our actual greats. It pains me to see people slag off hibbo an say they hate him when at least he turns up for EVERY game. Duncan was at best a good footballer who had potential to be better. He provided us with some great moments but then so did Rooney ffs.
He was a liability an i’m sure people who paid money to go to charlton a coupla years ago would feel slightly pissed off when he launched into one of his all too often twat anything that moves play!
I loved it when he played but he doesnt deserve the tag of legend. save it for someone who truly deserves it.
Allan Hobbs
27 Posted 03/10/2007 at 13:06:05
27 Posted 03/10/2007 at 13:06:05
I think you’re missing the point Matty - read up at some earlier posts regarding the use of the word ’legend’
Its not about how good he was, or how influential as a player either.
The man is a legend for many reasons.
Big Nev is my all time hero and I would always put him top where Everton legends are concerned, but thats just my own personal feelings.
Duncan is currently fancying pigeons on the quiet.
Its not about how good he was, or how influential as a player either.
The man is a legend for many reasons.
Big Nev is my all time hero and I would always put him top where Everton legends are concerned, but thats just my own personal feelings.
Duncan is currently fancying pigeons on the quiet.
Steve Hopkins
28 Posted 03/10/2007 at 14:31:32
28 Posted 03/10/2007 at 14:31:32
Legend or not, he will always have a place in my heart, regardless of his many indiscretions he just wouldn’t have been Duncan without them, he did what others wouldn’t dare to do...lets face it who here didn’t consider strangling Stefan Freund? I know I wanted to!
He may not be a legend in terms of being our greatest footballer but he had to endure playing in the worst teams we’ve fielded in modern history and yet still managed to shine as our only threat in football and physical terms.
I’m sure without him we would have been relegated at the end of the 97-98 season. Who could forget his hatrick against Bolton to record our first home win for 2 months.
In an age where footballers show blatant lack of commitment his love for this club and fans shone through.
Maybe not a legend to eveyone else but certainly a legend to me!
He may not be a legend in terms of being our greatest footballer but he had to endure playing in the worst teams we’ve fielded in modern history and yet still managed to shine as our only threat in football and physical terms.
I’m sure without him we would have been relegated at the end of the 97-98 season. Who could forget his hatrick against Bolton to record our first home win for 2 months.
In an age where footballers show blatant lack of commitment his love for this club and fans shone through.
Maybe not a legend to eveyone else but certainly a legend to me!
Brian
29 Posted 03/10/2007 at 16:12:52
29 Posted 03/10/2007 at 16:12:52
To chris keightley. Andy Gray was only at Everton for 18 months. He also jibbed us off for the managers job and wets his keks everytime the sh*te score. The fact he was herewhen we were sucessful here long enough.
Regardless of Duncs injury record or salary, he is a total f*ckin legend.
Regardless of Duncs injury record or salary, he is a total f*ckin legend.
Simon Gemine
30 Posted 03/10/2007 at 17:44:29
30 Posted 03/10/2007 at 17:44:29
Everyone has their own opinion of Dunc either being a legend or not. In my eyes, he wore his heart on his sleeve and always never gave less than 100%. I know he did’nt score enough goals to qualify a goalscoring legend, but his presence when he was on the pitch and his passion for the club off it, in my mind qualifies him for the term. An absolute monster. Wish we had him now!
Lyndon Lloyd
Editorial Team
31 Posted 03/10/2007 at 21:47:28
Editorial Team
31 Posted 03/10/2007 at 21:47:28
Chris Jones: "So, why hold the poll if you are not going to take account of the views of an "overwhelming" number of your readers?
I think you’re reading too much into the reasons for running the poll, mate. It was done out of curiosity following a debate on the Big Man’s merits, not as a vote for inclusion in our Legends section... although I would have to admit that a majority of that size probably means we would have to seriously consider it.
I think you’re reading too much into the reasons for running the poll, mate. It was done out of curiosity following a debate on the Big Man’s merits, not as a vote for inclusion in our Legends section... although I would have to admit that a majority of that size probably means we would have to seriously consider it.
Roy coyne
32 Posted 03/10/2007 at 21:44:07
32 Posted 03/10/2007 at 21:44:07
Sorry I liked Dunc but he always flattered to decieve,against the reds then yes if he played like that every week he may well have got legend status but the sad fact is he didt, his lack of discipline cost us and his fitness record was awful so while I cherish his memory it would be an injustice to Dixie,Dave Hickson,Bob Latchford or Sharpy to give him this accolade like those strikers mentioned
Chris Jones, Wakefield
33 Posted 04/10/2007 at 13:36:32
33 Posted 04/10/2007 at 13:36:32
Thanks for the reply Lyndon.
COYBB
COYBB
Teddy Draper
34 Posted 04/10/2007 at 15:23:45
34 Posted 04/10/2007 at 15:23:45
heard an album recently, by one of our celebrity fans, the last track fades to Paul the singer chanting, DUNCAN FERGUSON, over and over again. So now BIG fella your immortalised.
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