Big Dunc’s Mr Nice Guy secret is out
DUNCAN FERGUSON’S reputation as one of football’s legendary bad boys has taken a severe knock with the news he’s donated £12,000 to a scheme to help homeless youngsters in Liverpool.
Big Dunc jointly holds the record for the highest number of red cards in the English Premier League – eight.
But Ferguson, now first-team coach at Everton, has been described as a “big softie” by former team-mate David Unsworth, who’s spearheading a project to raise £230,000 to purchase, fit out and staff a house close to Goodison that homeless youngsters can access.
“Duncan heard about the project and had some money left over from his testimonial,” explains Unsworth, now the manager of the club’s Under-23 side.
“He asked me if it would be OK for him to donate something. Obviously we said yes!
“It’s an amazing gesture. It just shows what the big man is all about. He’s a big softie at heart and I’m very proud of him.
“The sky-high opinion I already had of him has gone even higher.
“The board gave us £23,000 and we’ve got just over £50,000 now. We won’t stop until we reach our target, no matter how long it takes.”
Former Dundee United and Rangers striker Ferguson says: “When I heard about what Unsy and his lads were doing, I immediately wanted to contribute to help with their fundraising.
“It’s a fantastic initiative which will help so many young people in our city.”
The project is called “Home Is Where The Heart Is” and will focus on 16-23-year-olds – the age group Unsworth coaches – who have fallen on hard times or out of the care system.
It will not only provide a roof over their heads but also access to services including health, education, training and employment.
Unsworth, his staff and his squad spent a night in the Goodison stands in temperatures of minus four before Christmas to raise awareness of the scheme.
“That was my idea,” he says.
“It started with a few laughs but it turned out to be very tough.
“There was a serious message that people do this for real every night.”
Unsworth has been delighted with the attitude shown by his up-and-coming Toffees stars, who know how lucky they are.
“We have grounded players anyway,” he adds.
“We don’t have prima donnas or big-time Charlies.
“But my lads are very privileged and when they see boys and girls of their own age fall on difficult times, it will help keep them humble.
“The project will also give them a legacy when they eventually leave here, because they’ll have made a massive difference to their community.”