FERGUSON IS MAN FOR JOB, SAYS SHEEDY

KEVIN SHEEDY can still picture an eager Duncan Ferguson arriving at his house armed with a tactics board desperate to become a top coach or manager.

Republic of Ireland star Sheedy, an integral part of the Everton side of the eighties which won two League titles, had taken Ferguson under his wing while in charge of the Under 18s at Goodison Park.

Big Dunc had surprised many within the club who had witnessed his chequered past by asking to be allowed to spend time in the club’s academy in his ambition to go down the coaching route.

Said Sheedy (below): “He impressed everyone with his enthusiasm and his willingness to learn and after around 12 months he became my assistant with the

Under 18s.

“Because he was willing to watch and listen I spent many hours with him trying to pass on some of my experience. Whatever help or advice I could give him he always took on board and was very grateful.

“He would often call around for a coffee complete with a tactics board. We would spend time going through different playing systems and tactics which helped him complete his coaching badges.”

When Roberto Martinez arrived in 2013 Ferguson was promoted to work with the first team.

“Duncan is very thorough, very meticulous in his preparation. He knows the game inside out and has gained valuable experience working alongside Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and Marco

Silva.” added Sheedy. “I roomed with Chris Hughton at the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy. Chris is a great lad but at the time you wouldn’t have him down as a future coach or manager.

“But he has gone on to prove himself as a successful manager wherever he has been.

“Duncan will have learned alongside the previous managers and I’m positive that one day he will become a very successful manager.

“I would love to see that happen at Everton. After all there have been many instances of interim managers becoming permanent ones and doing well.

“The club are looking to make the right appointment. But I know Duncan, short term or long term can do the job.”

Sheedy says Ferguson has also tapped into the man who is regarded as Everton’s greatest ever manager, Howard Kendall.

“He was also very close to Howard and I know they watched games together at Howard’s house. Duncan had a lot of time for him and vice versa. Howard would have been very proud if he had been able to watch him in charge last Saturday.

“Howard was some guy to learn from considering what he achieved with the club. I honestly felt the atmosphere with Duncan in charge was similar to the ones we enjoyed in our decade.

“The fans got right behind the team and Duncan while the players covered every blade of grass. It was a fantastic day for Everton.

“His touchline celebrations were pure Duncan — that’s him.

“He loves the club.”