SLAM DUNC Ferguson urges Everton to shed blood for the cause
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DUNCAN FERGUSON wants his Everton players to shed blood for the cause against Chelsea today to lift the Goodison gloom.
The Toffees legend issued a typically passionate rallying call after being appointed caretaker boss following the sacking of Marco Silva.
Hardman Ferguson was sent off nine times in his playing career, spent three months in Glasgow’s notorious Barlinnie prison for a head-butt on an opponent and hospitalised two burglars after a break-in at his home.
And he spelt out just what he expects of the club’s underachieving players after they were dumped into the bottom three following a 5-2 thumping in the Merseyside derby in midweek.
“We have to bleed for this club,” said the Scot, who had been a coach under Silva. “We have to bleed on that pitch tomorrow.
“Does the situation hurt the players as much as me? Is that possible? Well, we all hope it is, don’t we? That is the kind of message we gave the players this morning.
“When they told me they wanted me to step in, I felt as I do now, really emotional.
“It has been hard to take it all in. But I’m also excited, nervous, proud, and just hoping I do a good job and we get a result.
“You would never turn it down, would you? You would never knock it back.
“Obviously I know we are in a bit of trouble and they are going to have to take time to find candidates and go through that process. I am here to steady the ship until they find whoever.”
David Moyes, who was in charge for 11 season until leaving for Manchester United in 2013, is clear favourite to return, but former Porto boss Vitor Pereira, now working in China, is also in the frame.
Ferguson revealed that Silva’s sacking was met with a mixed reaction from the squad but insisted he was personally upset.
“No one likes to see the manager lose their job – me included – but there was a mixed feeling,” he added.
“I went to see Marco. He was obviously upset. I gave him a hug and a wished him all the best. He is a top manager, a very good coach and I am sure he will not be out of work for long.”
Ferguson admitted he had endured a sleepless night – watching Chelsea in action on DVD into the small hours – and that his children were crying with pride when he got home following news of his appointment.
“I’ve not slept,” he said. “When I got home the kids were all still up crying their eyes out. I watched a bit of Chelsea and tried to relax a bit because there was a lot of stuff going on in my head.
“My kids still have season tickets in Lower Gwladys Street and they will be coming tomorrow.
“Of course my brother-inlaw is John Parrott and he will be there again. I’ve got a lot of connections here. I am sure they will be very nervous, like I will be, but it will be a very proud moment for me and my family.”