Ferguson to start management career in League One after snubbing Real Madrid

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson is set to take his first job in management with League One relegation strugglers Forest Green Rovers.

The 51-year-old has made no secret about his desire to take the next step in his coaching career, having spent a number of years at Goodison Park. Ferguson was handed a number of roles at Everton, eventually becoming assistant manager and on two occasions, caretaker boss.

He impressed in that role in December 2019, when he inspired his side to a victory over Chelsea just two days into the post. He was then kept on by Carlo Ancelotti, where he was promoted from coach to assistant boss.

And the Scot clearly made an impression on Ancelotti, who asked him to join Real Madrid when he swapped Merseyside for the Spanish capital. However, Ferguson decided to stay with Everton in hopes of landing the top gig.

He was unsuccessful however, but did stay on with Rafael Benitez, before having one game as a caretaker following the Spaniard's dismissal. Ferguson was then again in the frame for the permanent position, only to lose out to Frank Lampard.

At the end of last season, Ferguson confirmed he would be leaving the Toffees in order to continue his progression as a coach.

"It's been a massive decision for me. An incredibly difficult one but I need to move on, to take that next step in my career and look for that new challenge. Being a caretaker manager has given me confidence to step into management," he explained.

"The Club has been fantastic with me. They've supported me all the way through my journey. You've got the Chairman who has supported me as a player and as a coach. He's been amazing with me, so I would like to thank him."

And despite the Everton post becoming vacant again, Ferguson is ready to take on a different job and is expected to be confirmed as the replacement for Ian Burchnall. Forest Green sacked Burchnall after less than a season earlier this week, with the club rock bottom of League One.

The Times report that Ferguson has recently been to Madrid to see Ancelotti and the way he has the European champions set up. Since leaving Everton, he has had interviews with Middlesbrough and Wigan, but is willing to take the plunge into a desperate battle to avoid dropping into League Two.

That will take him out of contention to replace Lampard at Everton, with former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa and ex-Burnley manager Sean Dyche the leading candidates. Michael Owen had previously suggested that Ferguson would be a wise appointment, as he would immediately unite an increasingly divided fanbase.

"I think the next appointment now is certainly going to be one that is going to appease the fans, it will be their main priority," said Owen. "Okay, they want to survive and they want somebody who is going to give them the best chance of doing that, but they can't get somebody that fans aren't going to get behind and support.

"I think it's going to be a real hero let's say, maybe even a past player from Everton. Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson, it will have to be a name like that, wouldn't it?!"