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{{Short description|Scottish football manager and former player (born 1971)}}
{{BLP sources|date=August 2025}}
{{For|the American political activist|Duncan Ferguson (political activist)}}
{{redirect|Big Dunc|the English footballer nicknamed "Big Dunc"|Duncan Edwards}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Duncan Ferguson
| image = Duncan Ferguson, November 2019.jpg
| caption = Ferguson in 2019
| fullname = Duncan Cowan Ferguson<ref name=Hugman>{{Hugman|6298|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|12|27|df=y}}<ref name=Hugman/>
| birth_place = [[Stirling]], Scotland
| height = {{convert|1.93|m|order=flip}}<ref name=PremProfile/>
| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = 1989–1990
| youthclubs1 = Carse Thistle
| years1 = 1990–1993 |clubs1 = [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] |caps1 = 77 |goals1 = 28
| years2 = 1993–1994 |clubs2 = [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] |caps2 = 14 |goals2 = 2
| years3 = 1994 |clubs3 = → [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] (loan) |caps3 = 9 |goals3 = 2
| years4 = 1994–1998 |clubs4 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] |caps4 = 107 |goals4 = 35
| years5 = 1998–2000 |clubs5 = [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] |caps5 = 30 |goals5 = 8
| years6 = 2000–2006 |clubs6 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] |caps6 = 123 |goals6 = 23
| totalcaps = 360 |totalgoals = 98
| nationalyears1 = 1992–1997 |nationalteam1 = [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] |nationalcaps1 = 7 |nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2019
| manageryears2 = 2022
| manageryears3 = 2023
| manageryears4 = 2023–2024
| managerclubs1 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] (interim)
| managerclubs2 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] (interim)
| managerclubs3 = [[Forest Green Rovers F.C.|Forest Green Rovers]]
| managerclubs4 = [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]]
}}
'''Duncan Cowan Ferguson''' (born 27 December 1971) is a Scottish [[Association football|football]] manager and former player.

He began his career at [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] in 1990, and moved to [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] in 1993 for what was then a British transfer record fee. He spent the remainder of his career in England, moving to [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] in 1994 before a stint with [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] between 1998 and 2000, after which he returned to Everton, where he retired in 2006.

During his career, Ferguson won the [[FA Cup]] with Everton in 1995. He was [[Cap (football)|capped]] for [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] seven times, playing at [[UEFA Euro 1992]], but made himself unavailable for selection for the national team from 1997 due to a dispute with the [[Scottish Football Association]] (SFA).<ref name="Sunday Times"/> He has scored more goals than any other Scottish player in England's [[Premier League]] since its creation in 1992.<ref name="highest_scot">{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players/goals?co=1&se=-1&co=1&cl=-1&iso=-1&po=-1?se=-1 |title=Premier League Player Stats |publisher=Premier League |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref>

Ferguson's aggressive style of play resulted in a career total of nine red cards, as well as a three-month prison sentence following an on-field assault of [[Raith Rovers F.C.|Raith Rovers]]' [[John McStay]] in 1994. Eight of those red cards were in the English Premier League, where he holds the joint record for dismissals alongside [[Patrick Vieira]] and [[Richard Dunne]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40704646| title=Premier League is 25 years old: Facts and figures behind the first quarter-century| work=BBC Sport|date= 8 August 2017 }}</ref> He is known by the nicknames "Big Dunc"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/newcastle-hero-ferdinand-carroll-just-big-dunc-1218281|title=Newcastle hero Ferdinand: Carroll just like big Dunc|website=www.tribalfootball.com|date=11 January 2010|access-date=2 July 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406230824/http://www.tribalfootball.com/newcastle-hero-ferdinand-carroll-just-big-dunc-1218281|archive-date=6 April 2012}}</ref> and "Duncan Disorderly".<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/the-ten-best-selfdestructive-sports-stars-1680658.html?action=Gallery&ino=9 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109230007/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/the-ten-best-selfdestructive-sports-stars-1680658.html?action=Gallery&ino=9 | url-status=dead | archive-date=9 November 2012 | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Matthew | last=Fearon | date=3 March 2010 | title=The ten best self-destructive sports stars}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/03/sport.comment |title=Duncan Ferguson: a fine example |first=Michael |last=Hann |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 February 2006 |access-date=9 March 2021}}</ref>

Ferguson was promoted to the first-team coaching staff at Everton in 2014. Following the dismissal of Everton manager [[Marco Silva]] in December 2019, he was named as the team's [[caretaker manager]] until Silva's replacement [[Carlo Ancelotti]] was appointed [[manager (association football)|manager]] a few weeks later, at which point Ferguson was made assistant manager. Ferguson left Everton after a second stint as caretaker manager in 2022. After a brief spell as [[Forest Green Rovers F.C.|Forest Green Rovers]] manager, he was appointed manager of [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]] in September 2023 and was sacked when the club went into administration in October 2024.

==Club career==
===Dundee United===
Born in [[Stirling]],<ref name=Hugman/> Ferguson played for the juvenile side Carse Thistle, initially as a left-back.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}} [[Dundee United]] signed him as a schoolboy, and he went on to win the [[Scottish Youth Cup|BP Youth Cup]] in 1990.<ref name="Arab"/> Later that year, on 10 November, Ferguson made his professional debut for them against [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] at [[Ibrox Stadium]].<ref name="Arab">{{cite web|url=http://www.arabarchive.co.uk/player.php?id=130|title=Duncan Ferguson|publisher=ArabArchive.co.uk|access-date=21 February 2014}}</ref> His first goal was an extra-time winner against [[East Fife F.C.|East Fife]] in the [[1990–91 Scottish Cup|Scottish Cup]] on 29 January 1991.<ref name="Arab"/>

The following [[Dundee United F.C. season 1991–92|season]] saw him become a first-team regular. With 41 appearances and 16 goals, he became the club's top scorer.<ref name="Arab"/> His good form continued in [[Dundee United F.C. season 1992–93|1992–93]] with 33 appearances and 15 goals. The form he displayed at Dundee United also saw him win a call-up to the [[Scotland national football team|Scotland national team]].<ref name="Arab"/>

===Rangers===
[[File:Duncan_Ferguson_1994.png|thumb|upright|Ferguson in 1994, during his spell at [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]].]]
A 22-year-old Ferguson moved to Rangers in 1993 for a transfer fee of £4 million,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title='I cried when Rangers wanted to get rid of me - there was too much pressure to succeed' |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/i-cried-when-rangers-wanted-to-get-rid-of-me-there-was-too-much-pressure-to-succeed-5087730 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=The Scotsman |language=en}}</ref> which set a new British record.<ref name = "waste">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/aug/17/sport.comment5 |title=What a waste of money |first=Jamie |last=Jackson |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 August 2003 |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> During a match with [[Raith Rovers F.C.|Raith Rovers]] in April 1994, Ferguson headbutted the visitors' [[John McStay]] in the south-west corner of the Ibrox pitch.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/english/from-infamy-to-hall-of-fame-jock-mcstay-finds-peace-1-3940289 |title=From infamy to Hall of Fame, Jock McStay finds peace |work=The Scotsman |date=7 November 2015 |access-date=18 April 2019 |first=Alan |last=Pattullo}}</ref> Referee [[Kenny Clark (referee)|Kenny Clark]] did not see the incident, but Ferguson was subsequently charged and found guilty of assault.<ref name = "independent">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/soccer-player-jailed-for-foul-play-1577101.html |title=Soccer player jailed for foul play |first=Richard |last=Brennan |work=The Independent |date=12 October 1995 |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> As it was his third conviction for assault, he received a three-month prison sentence in October 1995.<ref name = "independent"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottishleague.net/archive/archive45.htm|title=SCOTTISH LEAGUE SFAQS|website=Scottishleague.net|access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> The SFA banned Ferguson for 12 matches before the court case was heard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12697532.sfa-beaks-deliver-their-verdict-on-ferguson-striker-considers-appealing-against-his-12-game-ban/|title=SFA beaks deliver their verdict on Ferguson. Striker considers appealing against his 12-game ban|website=HeraldScotland.com|date=13 May 1994 |access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref>

Ferguson scored a last-minute winner against [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]], from a [[Brian Laudrup]] pass, in the first game of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Scottish Football: Rangers count cost of McCoist injury|first=David|last=McKinney|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/scottish-football-rangers-count-cost-of-mccoist-injury-1376613.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110120045/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/scottish-football-rangers-count-cost-of-mccoist-injury-1376613.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 November 2012|newspaper=The Independent|date=15 August 1994|access-date=20 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> Four days later, he scored a [[Hat-trick#Association football|hat-trick]] in a 6–1 win over [[Arbroath F.C.|Arbroath]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hateley's hundred leads to a seaside stroll for Rangers|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12692321.hateleys-hundred-leads-to-a-seaside-stroll-for-rangers/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=18 August 1994|access-date=16 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Duncan Ferguson factfile|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/duncan-ferguson-factfile-1.317428|newspaper=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]|date=25 November 1998|access-date=20 January 2011}}</ref> 

Of Ferguson's time at Rangers, one of his strike partners [[Mark Hateley]] said: "Duncan was a really good player, but I think he came to Rangers a couple of years too early. [[Walter Smith]] wanted me to take him under my wing. He was a boisterous young lad who wanted to play all the time. It was a period in his career where he'd gone from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in the big pond at Rangers. He probably found that a bit difficult."<ref name=opengoal>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxYnPCuQeYg "MARK HATELEY | Open Goal Meets... Former Rangers, England, AC Milan & Monaco Striker"] – Open Goal, [[YouTube]], 29 November 2021</ref> Smith was the assistant manager at Dundee United when he spotted a young Ferguson in [[Tayside]] youth football. Smith had moved on to Rangers by the time Ferguson arrived at [[Tannadice Park|Tannadice]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Walter Smith |url=https://www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/hall-of-fame/walter-smith/ |website=Scottish Football Museum |language=en}}</ref>

===Everton===
In October 1994, [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] were struggling under the management of [[Mike Walker (football manager)|Mike Walker]] and looking for options to reinvigorate their faltering season. The solution enacted was to take two Rangers players on a loan deal, [[Ian Durrant]] for one month and Ferguson for three. Ferguson's move to Everton was later made permanent by Walker's successor [[Joe Royle]], and Ferguson played a key role in saving Everton from relegation, and also helping them win the [[1994–95 FA Cup]].<ref name="Durrant and Ferguson loan deal">{{cite news|title=Football: Everton loan for Ferguson and Durrant|first=Derek|last=Potter|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-everton-loan-for-ferguson-and-durrant-1440770.html|newspaper=The Independent|date=4 October 1994|access-date=20 January 2011|location=London}}</ref> The subsequent [[1995–96 in English football|1995–96 season]] was less successful for Ferguson. A persistent [[hernia]] problem caused him to be unavailable for large amounts of time, as did his prison sentence during the first half of the season.<ref name="persistent hernia problem">{{cite news|title=Ferguson has second operation|first=Catherine|last=Riley|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ferguson-has-second-operation-1598972.html|newspaper=The Independent|date=1 September 1995|access-date=20 January 2011|location=London}}</ref>

On 28 December 1997, Ferguson scored a [[List of Premier League hat-tricks|hat-trick]] against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] in a 3–2 victory, the first time that a trio of [[Header (association football)|headers]] had been scored in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/43030.stm |title=Ferguson hits hat-trick for Everton |publisher=BBC |date=28 December 1997 |access-date=15 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38232131|title=West Bromwich Albion 3–1 Swansea City|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 December 2016|access-date=29 May 2017}}</ref> Everton finished the season surviving relegation only on goal difference.

Ferguson was sold to [[Newcastle United]] for a fee of £8 million in November 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferguson completes Newcastle move |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/221755.stm |work=BBC News |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=25 November 1998 |access-date=2 April 2012 }}</ref> The deal was done to sell Ferguson by the Everton chairman, [[Peter Johnson (businessman)|Peter Johnson]], without the knowledge of [[Walter Smith]]. Ferguson wrote a two-page goodbye letter in the club magazine to fans, stating his sadness at leaving and that he would never forget them.<ref>{{cite news |title=Smith knew nothing about Ferguson move |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/224900.stm |work=BBC News |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=30 November 1998 |access-date=2 April 2012 }}</ref>

===Newcastle United===
After bringing Ferguson to Newcastle, manager [[Ruud Gullit]] was rewarded when Ferguson scored twice on his debut against [[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] in the [[Premier League]]. The final result was a 3–1 victory to Newcastle.<ref name="Sunday Times"/> At the start of 1999, Ferguson suffered a hernia injury, meaning that he played only seven times in the [[1998–99 in English football|1998–99 season]]. He made his comeback on 11 April, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 extra-time FA Cup semi-final win over [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaw |first1=Phil |title=Football: Shearer strikes to deny Spurs |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-strikes-to-deny-spurs-1086734.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |date=11 April 1999}}</ref> and did the same in the [[1999 FA Cup Final]], which Newcastle lost to Manchester United.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lea |first1=Greg |title=Where are they now? The last Newcastle United team to play in an FA Cup final |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-1999-fa-cup-18316163 |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=Evening Chronicle |date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

In 1999–2000, Ferguson scored in three rounds of the FA Cup as Newcastle beat Tottenham 6–1,<ref>{{cite news |title=Magpies steal the show |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/575538.stm |access-date=27 January 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 December 1999}}</ref> [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] 4–1<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle blunt Blades |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/595515.stm |access-date=27 January 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 January 2000}}</ref> and [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] 3–2,<ref>{{cite news |title=Magpies dash Rovers' double dreams |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/649825.stm |access-date=27 January 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 February 2000}}</ref> before a semi-final elimination by Chelsea. He scored six league goals, including two in a 5–0 home win over [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] on 16 January 2000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Back in Tyne: Five splendid wins against Southampton |url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/features/back-in-tyne-five-splendid-wins-against-southampton/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |publisher=Newcastle United F.C. |date=27 August 2021}}</ref>

===Return to Everton===

====2000-01 season====

On 17 August 2000, Ferguson moved back to Everton for a fee of £3.75 million.<ref name="bbc_signs">{{cite news |title=Ferguson signs for Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/884163.stm |access-date=21 December 2019 |date=17 August 2000}}</ref> The transfer had previously been close to collapse as he sought a £1 million "loyalty payment" from Newcastle for not personally asking for a transfer; he had made the same amount of money from Everton when he transferred in 1998 on the same basis.<ref name="bbc_deadlock">{{cite news |title=Duncan's deadlock |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/880111.stm |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2000}}</ref>

Ferguson's return came at a time when Everton were facing the prospect of being without their goalscoring hero [[Kevin Campbell (footballer)|Kevin Campbell]] for the early months of the season due to injury.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile">{{cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson profile |url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/players/profiles/Ferguson.php |website=ToffeeWeb |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref> The £3.75 million fee was later revealed to have been financed through a media deal with [[NTL Incorporated|NTL]] that was never completed.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" />

Two days after signing, he played his first game in a 2–0 loss at [[Leeds United]], coming on for [[Stephen Hughes (footballer, born 1976)|Stephen Hughes]] after 56 minutes.<ref name="bbc_leeds">{{cite news |title=Smith sparks Leeds flier |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/885983.stm |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 August 2000}}</ref> On 23 August, on his return to Goodison Park, he scored twice in a 3–0 win over [[Charlton Athletic]] after coming on for [[Mark Hughes]] in the 67th minute. Ferguson settled the match with a low driven shot from a [[Thomas Gravesen]] pass before adding a second goal from a deflection in the dying seconds to complete the victory.<ref name="bbc_charlton">{{cite news |title=Gazza and Ferguson end Charlton fight |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/893458.stm |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2000}}</ref>

Ferguson was injured in only the second appearance of his return spell with the Blues and was in and out of the team that season with recurrent injury problems that required surgery. Despite this, he managed six goals in 13 appearances to help Everton avoid relegation. His first goal since the Charlton match came on 7 February 2001 against Leeds United, when his 23rd-minute scuffed right-foot shot found its way into the net, though he appeared to aggravate an arm injury while scoring and was substituted in the first half.<ref name="garrity_leeds">{{cite news |author=Paul Garrity |title=[Article title] |date=7 February 2001 |publisher=[Publisher needed]}}</ref>

Ferguson's other crucial goals during the relegation battle included an equaliser against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] on 8 April, created through a move involving [[Niclas Alexandersson]] crossing from the left for Campbell to head down before Ferguson slotted home despite lucky deflections.<ref name="pl_city">{{cite web |title=Everton v Man City, 2000/01 |url=https://www.premierleague.com/match/3598 |website=Premier League |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

In the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on 16 April, Ferguson scored in the 42nd minute after [[Kevin Campbell (footballer)|Kevin Campbell]] caused confusion in the penalty box, with Ferguson arriving to smash his effort beyond [[Sander Westerveld]] in a 2–3 defeat.<ref name="pl_liverpool">{{cite web |title=Everton v Liverpool, 2000/01 |url=https://www.premierleague.com/match/3616 |website=Premier League |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

His final goal of the season helped secure Premier League survival, scoring just 47 seconds into the second half against [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] on 28 April by latching onto a long throw from [[Kevin Campbell (footballer)|Campbell]], controlling it well and driving it fiercely past the goalkeeper in a crucial 2–1 victory.<ref name="pl_bradford">{{cite web |title=Everton v Bradford, 2000/01 |url=https://www.premierleague.com/match/3633 |website=Premier League |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref><ref name="toffeeweb_profile" />

Ferguson played under manager [[Walter Smith]] during his initial return, though their relationship was strained by chairman [[Peter Johnson (businessman)|Peter Johnson]]'s decision to sell Ferguson to Newcastle in 1998 without Smith's knowledge.<ref name="efc_smith">{{cite news |title=Walter Smith |url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1113189/walter-smith |website=Everton FC |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

====2001-02 season====

The 2001-02 season began promisingly for Ferguson, who scored from the penalty spot in Everton's opening match away to [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] on 18 August 2001. After Charlton took the lead through [[Jonatan Johansson (footballer)|Jonatan Johansson]], Ferguson equalised from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after [[Kevin Campbell (footballer)|Kevin Campbell]] was fouled in the box, helping Everton to a 2-1 victory.<ref name="pl_charlton_0102">{{cite web |title=Charlton v Everton, 2001/02 |url=https://www.premierleague.com/match/3667 |website=Premier League |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref> The penalty was significant as Ferguson had previously avoided penalty-taking responsibility in a League Cup match against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] three years earlier.

Three days later, Ferguson scored another penalty in a 1-1 draw against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] at Goodison Park on 20 August. After [[Darren Anderton]] had given Spurs the lead on the stroke of half-time against the run of play, Ferguson equalised from the penalty spot in the 64th minute following [[Gary Doherty]]'s dismissal for fouling Campbell in the box. Despite Tottenham being reduced to nine men after [[Gustavo Poyet]] was also sent off two minutes later, Everton were unable to find a winner.

Ferguson continued his penalty-taking duties in the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] second round against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] on 12 September, scoring in the 6th minute after Campbell was fouled. However, Palace equalised through [[Dougie Freedman]]'s penalty just four minutes later, and despite Ferguson converting his spot-kick in the subsequent penalty shootout, Everton lost 4-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

When Smith was dismissed in March 2002 following a 3-0 FA Cup defeat to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], Ferguson transitioned to playing under new manager [[David Moyes]].<ref name="toffeeweb_march2002">{{cite web |title=Memories of the New Millennium - March 2002 |url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/19-20/comment/fanscomment/39284.html |website=ToffeeWeb |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

Ferguson's season was hampered by an undiagnosed injury that would cause recurring problems with pain manifesting in his leg, back, pelvis and groin. 
Despite this, he managed to score important goals under new manager [[David Moyes]], who replaced [[Walter Smith]] in March 2002. Ferguson played a crucial role in Moyes' first match in charge, a 2-1 victory over [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] on 16 March 2002. After [[David Unsworth]] had given Everton the lead after just 27 seconds, Ferguson scored his first league goal from open play that season in the 13th minute by charging down a clearance from [[Edwin van der Sar]] and slotting the ball into the net.

Despite being reduced to ten men following [[Thomas Gravesen]]'s dismissal and Fulham pulling a goal back through [[Steed Malbranque]], Ferguson captained the side and was moved back to play as a centre-back to help defend as Everton held on for a vital victory.

Ferguson scored again in Moyes' second match as manager, a thrilling 4-3 victory away to [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] on 23 March 2002. With Everton leading 3-1, Ferguson scored the fourth goal in the 71st minute after [[Niclas Alexandersson]] jinked his way into the area and squared the ball for Ferguson to side-foot elegantly into the top left corner. Despite Derby scoring twice more to make the final score 4-3, the victory represented only Everton's second away win of the season.

However, the optimism from Moyes' early matches was dampened by a heavy 6-2 defeat away to [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] on 29 March 2002. Ferguson gave Everton the perfect start, scoring in the 6th minute with a speculative lob over [[Shay Given]] from a throw-in before he had even tied his bootlaces after changing his boots. Despite [[Niclas Alexandersson]] adding a second goal to make it 2-2, Newcastle responded with four unanswered goals in a devastating display.

Ferguson continued his important contributions under Moyes with a crucial equalising goal against [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] on 13 April 2002. After falling 2-0 behind to goals from [[Brian Deane]], Ferguson scored with five minutes remaining, firing home a half-volley from a free-kick to salvage a vital 2-2 draw in Everton's fight against relegation.
On 1 April 2002, Ferguson was sent off after 20 minutes for elbowing [[Bolton Wanderers]]' [[Kostas Konstantinidis]] in an off-the-ball incident in a 3–1 win for a struggling Everton side.<ref name="bbc_bolton">{{cite news |title=Everton leave Bolton struggling |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1900942.stm |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 April 2002}}</ref>

====2002-03 season====
The 2002-03 season proved to be a largely lost campaign for Ferguson due to injury problems. Despite showing promise in pre-season friendlies, where he scored a goal in a match against [[Queens Park FC|Queens Park]] that also featured a hat-trick from emerging teenager [[Wayne Rooney]], Ferguson's persistent undiagnosed injury problems severely limited his playing time. He required surgery during the season and managed only seven appearances without scoring a single goal.<ref name="cult_heroes_ferguson">{{cite web |title=Cult Heroes – 4# Duncan Ferguson |url=https://backpagefootball.com/cult-heroes-4-duncan-ferguson/10962/ |website=Back Page Football |date=6 November 2010 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

Ferguson's limited involvement became a subject of significant criticism. His 192 minutes of play in 2002-03 as a goalless substitute cost the club £9,000 per minute.<ref name="wiki_ferguson_cite">{{cite news |author=Jamie Jackson |title=[Article about Ferguson being waste of money] |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 2003}}</ref>

====2003-04 season====
Ferguson's persistent injury problems were eventually diagnosed as a compressed sciatic nerve, a condition that the Everton physiotherapy staff believed he had struggled with for approximately four years, with pain manifesting in various areas including his leg, back, pelvis and groin, making it difficult to diagnose.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" /> Once properly identified and treated, Ferguson regained reasonable match fitness and began scoring goals again in the 2003-04 season.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" />

In August 2003, Jamie Jackson of ''[[The Guardian]]'' called Ferguson "arguably the biggest waste of money of all", citing his high transfer fees and wages compared to his injury record and age. By that point, he had scored 12 times in 41 games in three years at Everton, while earning over £5 million in salary.<ref name="wiki_ferguson_cite" />

Ferguson's return to form was evident from the start of the season, when he scored a penalty against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] on 13 September 2003. With Everton reduced to ten men following [[Gary Naysmith]]'s dismissal, Ferguson converted from the spot in the 88th minute to secure a 2-2 draw after [[Alan Shearer]] had scored two penalties for the visitors.<ref name="pl_newcastle_0304">{{cite web |title=Everton v Newcastle, 2003/04 |url=https://www.premierleague.com/match/4627 |website=Premier League |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

Ferguson continued to score regularly throughout the season in both league and cup competitions, including goals against [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], and [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]. His penalty-taking reliability was particularly evident in cup matches, where he scored from the spot against both [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] in the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] and twice against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] in the FA Cup, helping [[David Moyes]] secure his first FA Cup victory as Everton manager.<ref name="pl_newcastle_0304" />

On 28 December 2003, Ferguson came on for [[Marcus Bent]] in the 74th minute of Everton's 2–0 loss at [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]], and within ten minutes he was sent off for an elbow on [[Hermann Hreiðarsson]].<ref name="bbc_charlton_red">{{cite news |title=Charlton 2-0 Everton |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4107825.stm |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 December 2004}}</ref>

Ferguson was accused of racial abuse by [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]'s [[Luís Boa Morte]] after an FA Cup fourth round match in January 2004. The accusation was dismissed by the Football Association, who found insufficient evidence.<ref name="independent_racial">{{cite news |last1=Nisbet |first1=John |title=FA dismisses Ferguson racial abuse allegations |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fa-dismisses-ferguson-racial-abuse-allegations-568385.html |access-date=19 September 2019 |work=The Independent |date=1 April 2004}}</ref>

One of Ferguson's most notorious disciplinary incidents occurred during a match against [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]], when he was sent off for two yellow cards and subsequently confronted German midfielder [[Steffen Freund]], creating what became one of the most widely discussed images in Premier League history.<ref name="allfootball_journey">{{cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson's mad journey to the Everton dugout |url=https://m.allfootballapp.com/news/EPL/Duncan-Fergusons-mad-journey-to-the-Everton-dugout/2105661 |website=All Football |date=19 December 2019 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

====2004-05 season====
In the summer of 2004, Everton attempted to buy out the final year of Ferguson's contract, which was worth approximately £2 million in salary, for a reduced payment of £500,000. Ferguson rejected this offer and instead adopted a new role primarily as a substitute to support David Moyes' tactical approach.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" /> This arrangement earned him a contract extension for the following summer.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" />

One of the highlights of Ferguson's later career came on 20 April 2005, when he scored a crucial header against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park. Ferguson met a [[Mikel Arteta]] free-kick with a stooping header after 55 minutes to secure Everton's first Premier League victory over United since his own goal in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |title=Everton v Manchester United {{!}} 1994/1995 {{!}} Premier League {{!}} Overview |url=https://www.premierleague.com/en/match/15799?tab=recap |website=www.premierleague.com |publisher=Premier League |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Everton 1-0 Man Utd |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4451321.stm |publisher=BBC |access-date=31 August 2025 |date=20 April 2005}}</ref> The goal was particularly significant as it came during Everton's push for [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] qualification and coincided with [[Wayne Rooney]]'s first return to Goodison Park since his controversial transfer to Manchester United.<ref name="thesefootballtimes_inspiration">{{cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson: coach, captain, inspiration |url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/07/31/duncan-ferguson-coach-captain-inspiration/ |website=These Football Times |date=23 April 2017 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref> Ferguson later described the atmosphere as one of the best he had experienced at the ground, saying: "The roof came off, it [the ground] was shaking."<ref name="premierleague_farewell">{{cite web |title=Farewell Goodison Park: The best Premier League moments at Everton's stadium |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4309482 |website=Premier League |date=15 May 2025 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

====2005-06 season====
During the 2005–06 season, Ferguson was sent off against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] for violent conduct. His confrontation with [[Paul Scharner]] and subsequent fracas with [[Pascal Chimbonda]] resulted in a seven-match ban and his eighth Premier League red card, equalling [[Patrick Vieira]]'s record.<ref name="allfootball_journey" />

Ferguson's final season was marked by disappointment, particularly the controversial disallowing of his goal in Everton's [[UEFA Champions League]] qualifier against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] by referee [[Pierluigi Collina]].<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" /> The goal, a powerful header from a [[Mikel Arteta]] corner, would have levelled the tie and potentially sent the match to extra time, but Collina ruled it out for an alleged foul by [[Marcus Bent]] away from the ball.<ref name="sky_collina">{{cite news |title=Collina explains Dunc decision |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11731/2354766/collina-explains-dunc-decision |website=Sky Sports |date=11 November 2005 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref> [[Diego Forlán]] scored moments later to eliminate Everton from the Champions League, and Ferguson later stated that the decision still "rankles" him, believing Everton could have performed well in the group stages.<ref name="hitc_villarreal">{{cite news |title=Everton legend relives injustice of 2005 Champions League tie |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2014/10/02/everton-legend-relives-injustice-of-2005-champions-league-tie/ |website=HITC |date=2 October 2014 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

On 7 May 2006, against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] at Goodison Park, Ferguson was named captain in the game that marked the end of his Everton career. His 90th-minute penalty kick was saved by [[Tomasz Kuszczak]], but he subsequently scored from the rebound, netting his final goal for the club. Ferguson was not given a new Everton deal and retired, moving his family to Mallorca and spurning advances from a number of clubs.<ref name="efc_review2006">{{cite web | title = Review of the Year 2006 | work = Article on Evertonfc.com | url = http://www.evertonfc.com/match/review-of-the-year-may-2006.html | access-date = 11 January 2007 | archive-date = 28 February 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140228120902/http://www.evertonfc.com/match/review-of-the-year-may-2006.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> The decision to award Ferguson the captaincy was Moyes' way of signalling that it would be his final appearance, though Ferguson was not officially informed until after the match.<ref name="everton_news_moyes">{{cite news |title=Duncan Ferguson stunned after what Everton manager David Moyes told him, 'I couldn't believe it' |url=https://www.everton.news/duncan-ferguson-stunned-after-what-everton-manager-david-moyes-told-him-i-couldnt-believe-it/ |website=Everton News |date=5 May 2025 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

====Fan relationship and cultural impact====
Throughout his second spell, Ferguson maintained his status as a cult figure among Everton supporters, earning the nickname "Big Dunc".<ref name="hexblog_bigdunc">{{cite web |title=Big Dunc |url=https://thehexblog.com/2024/09/13/big-dunc/ |website=The Hex Blog |date=23 September 2024 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref> Despite his injury problems and disciplinary issues, he retained what observers described as an "idol-like status" during some of the club's darkest periods.<ref name="toffeeweb_profile" /> Ferguson's emotional connection with the supporters was exemplified by his passionate goal celebrations and his visible commitment to the club's cause.<ref name="hexblog_bigdunc" />

====Testimonial match====
[[File:Duncan Ferguson.jpg|thumbnail|Ferguson on his testimonial in 2015]]

Ferguson played for Everton in a [[testimonial match]] in his honour on 2 August 2015 against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]].<ref name="guardian_testimonial">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/02/wayne-rooney-everton-duncan-ferguson-testimonial |title=Wayne Rooney makes his Everton return in Duncan Ferguson testimonial |first=Niall |last=McVeigh |date=2 August 2015 |access-date=3 August 2015 |work=The Guardian }}</ref> The choice of Villarreal as opponents provided what the club described as "a nice twist" given the controversial circumstances of their 2005 Champions League qualifier encounter.<ref name="dailypost_testimonial">{{cite news |title=Everton FC legend Duncan Ferguson: Disallowed Villarreal goal still hurts |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-legend-duncan-ferguson-9630039 |website=Daily Post |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

==International career==
Ferguson made his first full international appearance for [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] on 17 May 1992, in a 1–0 win over the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] in [[Denver]]. He was selected for [[UEFA Euro 1992]] in Sweden, making one substitute appearance against reigning champions the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] on 12 June.<ref name = "sfa"/> He withdrew from [[UEFA Euro 1996]] in England due to surgery on a recurring hernia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Third hernia operation for Everton's Ferguson |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/third-hernia-operation-for-everton-s-ferguson-1346409.html |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=The Independent |date=8 May 1996}}</ref> He made seven Scotland appearances in all, with his last appearance coming in February 1997.<ref name = "sfa">{{SFA Profile|id=7076}}</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-scots-open-door-to-reluctant-ferguson-1084896.html Football: Scots open door to reluctant Ferguson], The Independent, 3 April 1999</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/mar/19/newsstory.sport1 Silent hero enjoying life], The Guardian, 19 March 2000</ref>

Ferguson refused international selection after 1997, partly in protest against his treatment by the SFA after his conviction for assault on John McStay and in particular the imposition of a 12-game ban on top of his three-month prison sentence.<ref>[http://www.toffeeweb.com/players/past/Ferguson.asp Ferguson] in ToffeeWeb {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207074405/http://www.toffeeweb.com/players/past/Ferguson.asp |date=7 February 2009 }}</ref> Ferguson believed that second punishment violated the principle of [[double jeopardy]].<ref name = walter/> Speaking in February 2023, Ferguson said that not playing more for Scotland was the "biggest regret in my career".<ref name = walter/> He also revealed that Scotland managers had repeatedly asked him to come out of retirement, with the last request coming from Walter Smith in 2005.<ref name = walter/> Ferguson blamed his own "pig-headedness" for not accepting those invitations.<ref name = walter>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64570643 |title=Duncan Ferguson: Boycotting Scotland was 'my biggest football regret' |website=BBC Sport |date=8 February 2023 |accessdate=8 February 2023}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
===Everton===
[[File:Duncan_Ferguson_2013.jpg|thumb|Ferguson with [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] in 2013]]
Having spent five years in [[Mallorca]] following his retirement from playing, Ferguson contacted his former manager at Everton, [[David Moyes]]. Ferguson asked if he could work with the Everton academy students at [[Finch Farm]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton/8835107/Duncan-Ferguson-returns-to-Everton-to-coach-youth-team.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton/8835107/Duncan-Ferguson-returns-to-Everton-to-coach-youth-team.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Duncan Ferguson returns to Everton to coach youth team|website=Telegraph.co.uk|date=19 October 2011 |access-date=31 October 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Initially Ferguson was a voluntary worker at the academy, working for [[Alan Irvine (footballer, born 1958)|Alan Irvine]], a former mentor of his from his playing career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/oct/18/duncan-ferguson-everton-youth-coach?newsfeed=true|title=Duncan Ferguson makes unlikely return to Everton as youth coach|date=18 October 2011|work=Guardian|access-date=18 October 2011|location=London|first=Andy|last=Hunter}}</ref> Although Ferguson remains disappointed with the Scottish FA for what he sees as a lack of support following his sentencing in 1995,<ref>{{cite web|title=Duncan Ferguson ends feud by joining SFA coaching course|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/duncan-ferguson-ends-feud-by-joining-sfa-coaching-course-1-1667791|publisher=Scotsman|access-date=14 May 2013|date=1 June 2011}}</ref> he enrolled on a nine-day Scottish FA organised coaching course in [[Largs]], Scotland to earn a UEFA B-Licence.<ref>{{cite web|last=Swan|first=Craig|title=Paul Hartley: Joining SFA coaching course felt like I was just starting out in the game|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/paul-hartley-joining-sfa-coaching-1104774|publisher=Daily Record|access-date=14 May 2013|date=6 June 2011}}</ref> In May 2012, he returned to Largs to achieve a UEFA A licence and in January 2013 he enrolled on a further course for the UEFA Pro Licence. In February 2014 Ferguson was promoted to the first-team coaching staff at Everton. His first game in the role was a home game against West Ham United on 1 March 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.teamtalk.com/|title=TEAMtalk &#124; Latest Football News, Results and Fixtures|website=Teamtalk.com|access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Latapy goes for UEFA coaching license|url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2013-01-05/latapy-goes-uefa-coaching-license|publisher=Guardian.co.tt|access-date=14 May 2013|date=6 January 2013}}</ref>

Following the dismissal of manager [[Marco Silva]] on 5 December 2019, Ferguson was named as caretaker manager of Everton.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47195701|title=Everton sack Marco Silva as manager after 18 months in charge|website=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2019}}</ref> In his first game in charge two days later, Everton beat Chelsea 3–1 to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50611310|title=Everton 3–1 Chelsea|website=BBC Sport|date=7 December 2019}}</ref> Following the appointment of [[Carlo Ancelotti]] as the new manager later that month, Ferguson was made assistant manager, a role he retained under [[Rafael Benítez]] who joined the club following Ancelotti's departure to Real Madrid in June 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Husband |first1=Ben |title=Duncan Ferguson rejects Real Madrid offer because he wants to be Everton boss |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/duncan-ferguson-rejects-real-madrid-24259643 |access-date=31 August 2025 |work=Daily Mirror |date=6 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

On 18 January 2022, Ferguson was again appointed caretaker manager following the sacking of Benítez.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hunter |first1=Andy |title=Duncan Ferguson appointed as Everton caretaker manager for upcoming games |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jan/18/everton-appoint-duncan-ferguson-caretaker-manager-for-upcoming-games |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=18 January 2022}}</ref> He oversaw one game as caretaker, a 1–0 home loss to [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], before [[Frank Lampard]] was appointed as the new manager.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Preece |first1=Ashley |title='Wanted a war' - Steven Gerrard's message to Everton and Duncan Ferguson after Aston Villa victory |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-gerrard-everton-buendia-22841206 |access-date=27 January 2022 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=22 January 2022}}</ref> Ferguson remained at the club for the rest of the season as a first-team coach, before announcing his departure from the club in July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2667451/ferguson-leaves-everton|title=Ferguson Leaves Everton|website=www.evertonfc.com}}</ref>

===Forest Green Rovers===
On 26 January 2023, Ferguson was appointed head coach of [[EFL League One|League One]] side [[Forest Green Rovers F.C.|Forest Green Rovers]], his first managerial role of his career.<ref> {{cite web|url=https://www.fgr.co.uk/news/duncan-ferguson-appointed-fgr-head-coach|title=Duncan Ferguson appointed FGR Head Coach|website=www.fgr.co.uk|date=26 January 2023|accessdate=26 January 2023}}</ref>

Upon his appointment, Ferguson stated; "I'm really delighted to join FGR for the next step of my career, and I plan to be here for a while. We have a bit of a fight on our hands to stay up in League One and I am ready for the challenge."<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson appointed FGR Head Coach |url=https://www.fgr.co.uk/news/duncan-ferguson-appointed-fgr-head-coach |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=www.fgr.co.uk}}</ref> [[Dale Vince]], Chairman of the club, commented: "We're all excited to welcome Duncan, he is someone I have admired from afar for a while. It's just fantastic to have the opportunity to work with him in this next phase of our journey toward the Championship."<ref name="auto"/> Ferguson did not win a game as manager until 26 March, when Forest Green beat second-placed [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] 1–0.<ref name="BBC Sport 2Firstwin">{{cite web | title=Forest Green Rovers 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday | website=BBC Sport | date=26 March 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65004807 | access-date=26 March 2023}}</ref> Forest Green were relegated to [[EFL League Two|League Two]] on 15 April after a 5–1 home defeat to [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]]. With four games remaining in the season, they became the first team in any EFL league to be relegated in the [[2022–23 in English football|2022–23 season]].<ref name="BBC Sport relegation">{{cite web | title=Forest Green's relegation hurts - Ferguson | website=BBC Sport | date=18 April 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65309540 | access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref> He left the club on 4 July 2023.<ref> {{cite web|url=https://www.fgr.co.uk/news/ferguson-departs-fgr|title=Ferguson Departs FGR|website=www.fgr.co.uk|date=4 July 2023|accessdate=4 July 2023}}</ref> During his 18 games in charge, Forest Green Rovers won once.<ref>{{cite web | last=O'Neill | first=Connor | title=Duncan Ferguson leaves Forest Green Rovers after less than a year in charge | website=Liverpool Echo | date=4 July 2023 | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/breaking-duncan-ferguson-forest-green-27254428 | access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref>

===Inverness Caledonian Thistle===
Ferguson was appointed manager of [[Scottish Championship]] club [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]] on 26 September 2023; at the time of his appointment, the club was bottom of the [[2023-24 Scottish Championship |league]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66919037 |title=Duncan Ferguson: Inverness Caledonian Thistle chose former Scotland striker as manager |website=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2023 |accessdate=26 September 2023}}</ref>
Returning to Scottish football after an absence of 29 years, his first game as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle was on 30 September, a 3–2 away win against [[Arbroath F.C.|Arbroath]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Ferguson marks Scotland return with Inverness win | website=BBC Sport | date=30 September 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66899421 | access-date=2 October 2023}}</ref> The club were relegated after a 5–3 aggregate defeat to [[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton Academical]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Hamilton Academical win promotion and relegate Inverness CT | website=BBC Sport | date=18 May 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cq5nnjx5wrzt#:~:text=Hamilton%20Academical%20have%20sealed%20a,the%20Highlanders%20to%20League%201. | access-date=18 May 2024}}</ref> On 3 October 2024, Ferguson admitted to working with no salary to help the club through its financial crisis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62m0vdxe4jo|title=Ferguson working for free to help save Caley Thistle|date=3 October 2024 |publisher=BBC News|accessdate=23 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11795/13227213/duncan-ferguson-inverness-caley-thistle-manager-working-for-free-to-help-save-club|title=Duncan Ferguson: Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager working for free to help save club|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=23 October 2024}}</ref> On 23 October 2024, he was sacked after the club was put into [[Administration (British football)|administration the previous day]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Ferguson leaves Inverness CT after administration | website=BBC Sport | date=23 October 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cew2lgpg242o | access-date=23 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/football/2192477/duncan-ferguson-sacked-inverness-administration/|title='It's brutal, isn't it?' – Duncan Ferguson speaks after being sacked as manager of Scottish club|date=23 October 2024 |publisher=Talksport|accessdate=23 October 2024}}</ref>

==Personal life==

===Family===
Ferguson is married to Janine Ferguson.<ref name="playersbio_wife">{{cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson Wife Janine Ferguson And Three Kids |url=https://playersbio.com/duncan-ferguson-wife-janine-kids/ |website=Players Bio |date=27 September 2023 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=August 2025}} The couple have three children.

Ferguson's son Cameron is also a professional footballer who plays for [[Connah's Quay Nomads  F.C.|Connah's Quay Nomads]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/sport/striker-made-redundant-at-inverness-caledonian-thistle-signs-373520/ |title=Inverness Caledonian Thistle former striker Cameron Ferguson has signed for Connah's Quay Nomads in Wales |newspaper=Inverness Courier |date=3 February 2025 |accessdate=3 February 2025 |first=Clark |last=Will}}</ref>

===Community involvement and charitable work===
Ferguson has been described as a "pillar of the community in Merseyside", particularly in his work with disadvantaged children who share similar tough upbringings to his own.<ref name="amazon_bigdunc">{{cite web |title='Welcome to hell': Duncan Ferguson's terrifying first night in Barlinnie Prison |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25138596.duncan-ferguson-speaks-first-night-barlinnie-prison/ |website=Glasgow Times |language=en |date=5 May 2025}}</ref> In December 2015, during his testimonial year, Ferguson donated a Variety Sunshine Coach to [[Everton in the Community]], with funds raised specifically for this purpose. The minibus was intended to help young people who faced difficulties accessing public transport to reach sporting and educational opportunities.<ref name="variety_coach">{{cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson Donates A Sunshine Coach To Everton In The Community |url=https://www.variety.org.uk/news-item/duncan-ferguson-donates-a-sunshine-coach-to-everton-in-the-community/ |website=Variety, the Children's Charity |date=19 December 2016 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

Ferguson has stated his commitment to helping local communities, saying: "The coach is going to be brilliant for the local community and it's fantastic that we can help in getting these young people out and about, allowing them to see different parts of the city. Hopefully this coach will give children the chance to attend sessions and events that they may not have been able to previously."<ref name="variety_coach" />

===Autobiography===
In May 2025, Ferguson published his autobiography titled "BIG DUNC: The Upfront Autobiography", which became a ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' bestseller.<ref name="amazon_bigdunc" /> The book provides what reviewers described as a "brutally honest" account of his life, covering his experiences in prison, his off-field controversies, and his efforts to turn his life around through football.<ref name="amazon_bigdunc" /> Ferguson undertook promotional tours for the book, including appearances at [[St George's Hall, Liverpool|St George's Hall]] in Liverpool.<ref name="stgeorges_conversation">{{cite web |title=Duncan Ferguson in conversation |url=https://stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk/events/duncan-ferguson-in-conversation/ |website=St George's Hall Liverpool |date=25 February 2025 |access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

===Burglary attempts at his homes===
In 2001, two burglars broke into Ferguson's home in [[Rufford, Lancashire]]. Ferguson confronted them and was able to detain one of them,<ref>{{cite web |title=Pair jailed for Ferguson burglary |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1287588.stm |website=BBC News |access-date=31 August 2025 |date=20 April 2001}}</ref> who subsequently spent three days in hospital.<ref name=burglars>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/2660021.stm | work=BBC News | title=Ferguson in burglar assault probe | date=15 January 2003 | access-date=1 May 2010}}</ref> The second man managed to flee but was eventually caught. Both men were sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment for their actions.

In January 2003, Ferguson caught another burglar at his home in [[Formby|Formby, Merseyside]]; the burglar attacked Ferguson, who retaliated. The burglar was hospitalised and later alleged that Ferguson had assaulted him, but this was dismissed by police.<ref name=burglars/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/2748887.stm |title=Jail for Ferguson's bruised burglar |newspaper=BBC |date= 13 February 2003 |access-date= 25 February 2016}}</ref>

===Convictions for physical altercations===
Ferguson has had four convictions for assault – two arising from [[Taxicab stand|taxi rank]] scuffles,<ref name="Sunday Times">{{cite web|url=http://www.nufc.com/html/sundaytimes_ferguson.html|title=Deadly Duncan Delivers|first=Douglas|last=Alexander|publisher=The Sunday Times|date=22 February 2000|via=NUFC.com}}</ref> one an altercation with a fisherman in an [[Anstruther]] pub,<ref name="Sunday Times" /> and one for his on-field headbutt on Raith Rovers defender [[John McStay]] in 1994 while playing for Rangers, which resulted in a rare conviction for an on-field incident.

The first incident led to a [[£]]100 fine for headbutting a policeman and a £25 fine for a [[breach of the peace]],<ref>''Duncan Cowan Ferguson v Andrew Christie Normand'' (Procurator Fiscal, Glasgow) 1995 S.C.C.R. 770</ref> while the second resulted in a £200 fine for punching and kicking a supporter on crutches. He was sentenced to a year's [[probation]] for the third offence.<ref name=indy>[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-trials-of-the-pounds-4m-man-james-traynor-looks-at-the-troubled-life-and-career-of-rangers-record-signing-1512724.html "Football: Trials of the pounds 4m man: James Traynor looks at the troubled life and career of Rangers' record signing"], ''[[The Independent]]'', 24 October 1993</ref> For the 1994 on-the-field headbutting, he received and served a three-month jail term for [[assault]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pattullo|first1=Alan|title=Duncan Ferguson: Glasgow kiss that lingered|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/duncan-ferguson-glasgow-kiss-that-lingered-1-3374849#axzz3qwjuh0D5|access-date=9 November 2015|work=The Scotsman|date=13 April 2014|location=Edinburgh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415194729/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/duncan-ferguson-glasgow-kiss-that-lingered-1-3374849#axzz3qwjuh0D5|archive-date=15 April 2014}}</ref> During his time in jail, Wayne Rooney, who regarded him as an idol, sent him letters, and Ferguson always wrote back.<ref>{{cite news|title=I used to write to Ferguson in jail - Rooney|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4gee2yv4z2o|access-date=13 December 2025|work=BBC Sports|date=12 December 2025}}</ref> Ferguson's troubles with the law and his imprisonment inspired Finnish composer [[Osmo Tapio Räihälä]] to write a [[symphonic poem]] as a "musical portrait" of Ferguson, titled ''[[Barlinnie Nine]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/pictures/more-pictures/football-mad-musicians-musics-obsession-beautiful/duncan-ferguson/|title=Osmo Tapio Räihälä|website=Classicfm.com|access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref>

===Campaigning===
In 2009, Ferguson pledged his support to the [[The Kirkby Project#Keep Everton In Our City Campaign|"Keep Everton in Our City"]] campaign, saying:

{{cquote|During my time at Everton, Goodison Park came to feel like a second home, with the supporters of the club, and the people of [[Liverpool|the city]] becoming a second family to me. If you were to take Everton out of the city, I firmly believe the club could no longer call itself the "People's Club" and I give my whole-hearted support to the campaign to keep Everton in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/2007/04/05/ex-everton-icon-backs-battle-to-keep-club-in-city-64375-18861853/|title=Ex-Everton icon backs battle to keep club in city|date=5 April 2007|publisher=Liverpool Daily Post|access-date=2009-02-09}}</ref>}}

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{Soccerway|duncan-ferguson/221791}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Includes [[Scottish Cup]], [[FA Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Includes [[Scottish League Cup]], [[EFL Cup|Football League Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]]
|[[1990–91 Dundee United F.C. season|1990–91]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Scottish Football League Premier Division|Scottish Premier Division]]
|9||1||5||3||0||0||colspan="2"|–||14||4
|-
|[[1991–92 Dundee United F.C. season|1991–92]]
|38||15||2||2||1||0||colspan="2"|–||41||17
|-
|[[1992–93 Dundee United F.C. season|1992–93]]
|30||12||1||1||2||2||colspan="2"|–||33||15
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!77!!28!!8!!6!!3!!2!!colspan="2"|–!!88!!36
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]
|[[1993–94 Rangers F.C. season|1993–94]]
|rowspan="2"|Scottish Premier Division
|10||1||3||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||15||1
|-
|[[1994–95 Rangers F.C. season|1994–95]]
|4||1||0||0||2||3||0||0||6||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!14!!2!!3!!0!!4!!3!!0!!0!!21!!5
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
|[[1994–95 Everton F.C. season|1994–95]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Premier League]]
|23||7||4||1||1||0||colspan="2"|–||28||8
|-
|[[1995–96 Everton F.C. season|1995–96]]
|18||5||2||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||20||7
|-
|[[1996–97 Everton F.C. season|1996–97]]
|33||10||2||1||1||0||colspan="2"|–||36||11
|-
|[[1997–98 Everton F.C. season|1997–98]]
|29||11||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||32||11
|-
|[[1998–99 Everton F.C. season|1998–99]]
|13||4||colspan="2"|–||4||1||colspan="2"|–||17||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!116!!37!!9!!4!!8!!1!!colspan="2"|–!!133!!42
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]
|[[1998–99 Newcastle United F.C. season|1998–99]]
|rowspan="2"|Premier League
|7||2||2||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||9||2
|-
|[[1999–2000 Newcastle United F.C. season|1999–2000]]
|23||6||6||3||0||0||3||1||32||10
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!30!!8!!8!!3!!0!!0!!3!!1!!41!!12
|-
|rowspan="7"|Everton
|[[2000–01 Everton F.C. season|2000–01]]
|rowspan="6"|Premier League
|12||6||1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||13||6
|-
|[[2001–02 Everton F.C. season|2001–02]]
|22||6||2||1||1||1||colspan="2"|–||25||8
|-
|[[2002–03 Everton F.C. season|2002–03]]
|7||0||colspan="2"|–||1||0||colspan="2"|–||8||0
|-
|[[2003–04 Everton F.C. season|2003–04]]
|20||5||2||2||2||2||colspan="2"|–||24||9
|-
|[[2004–05 Everton F.C. season|2004–05]]
|35||5||0||0||2||1||colspan="2"|–||37||6
|-
|[[2005–06 Everton F.C. season|2005–06]]
|27||1||2||0||0||0||4||0||33||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!123!!23!!7!!3!!6!!4!!4!!0!!140!!30
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!360!!98!!35!!16!!21!!10!!7!!1!!423!!126
|}

{{noteslist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!colspan="3"|[[Scotland national football team|Scotland]]<ref name="sfa"/>
|-
!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|1992||3||0
|-
|1993||1||0
|-
|1994||1||0
|-
|1996||1||0
|-
|1997||1||0
|-
!Total||7||0
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 19 October 2024}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From
!rowspan=2|To
!colspan=5|Record
!rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!{{abbr|P|Matches played}}!!{{abbr|W|Matches won}}!!{{abbr|D|Matches drawn}}!!{{abbr|L|Matches lost}}!!{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[Everton F.C.|Everton]] (interim) 
|align=left|5 December 2019
|align=left|21 December 2019
{{WDL|4|1|3|0}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=5347 |title=Duncan Ferguson managerial statistics |website=Soccerbase |access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|Everton (interim) 
|align=left|18 January 2022
|align=left|31 January 2022
{{WDL|1|0|0|1}}
|<ref name=DF>{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=5347 |title=Duncan Ferguson managerial statistics |website=Soccerbase |access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Forest Green Rovers F.C.|Forest Green Rovers]]
|align=left|26 January 2023
|align=left|4 July 2023
{{WDL|18|1|3|14}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=5347|title=Duncan Ferguson &#124; Latest Betting Odds &#124; Soccer Base|website=www.soccerbase.com}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]]
|align=left|26 September 2023
|align=left|23 October 2024
{{WDL|53|17|20|16}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66919037 |title=Ferguson 'jumped at' Inverness Caley Thistle job |work=BBC Sport }}</ref>
|-
!colspan="3"|Total
{{WDLtot|75|19|25|31}}
!
|}

==Honours==
'''Dundee United'''
*[[Scottish Cup]] runner-up: [[1990–91 Scottish Cup|1990–91]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_cup_fixture_details.cfm?page=1283&matchID=752|title=Scottish Cup Final Archive: Dundee United v Motherwell 3-4 |publisher=Scottish Football Association}}</ref>

'''Rangers'''
*[[Scottish Football League Premier Division|Scottish Premier Division]]: [[1993–94 Scottish Premier Division|1993–94]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/scot94.html|title=Scotland 1993/94|website=Rsssf.com|access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref>
*Scottish Cup runner-up: [[1993–94 Scottish Cup|1993–94]]<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-scottish-cup-golacs-day-of-glory-1437591.html Football / Scottish Cup: Golac's day of glory], The Independent, 22 May 1994</ref>

'''Everton'''
*[[FA Cup]]: [[1994–95 FA Cup|1994–95]]<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/limpars-three-steps-to-heaven-1620671.html|title=Limpars Three Steps to Heaven|date=21 May 1995 |access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

'''Newcastle United'''
*FA Cup runner-up: [[1998–99 FA Cup|1998–99]]<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/350192.stm Double joy for Man United], BBC News, 22 May 1999</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[Premier League Player of the Month]]: [[1994–95 FA Premier League#Monthly awards|February 1995]]<ref name=PremProfile>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/877/Duncan-Ferguson/overview |title=Duncan Ferguson: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{ESPN FC}}
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231043746/http://www.toffeeweb.com/players/past/Ferguson.asp |date=31 December 2006 |title=Duncan Ferguson at ToffeeWeb}}
*{{IMDb name}}

{{Scotland squad UEFA Euro 1992}}
{{Gwladys Street's Hall of Fame}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Managerial positions
| list1 = 
{{Everton F.C. managers}}
{{Forest Green Rovers F.C. managers}}
{{Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferguson, Duncan}}
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Dundee United F.C. players]]
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[[Category:Scottish men's footballers]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1992 players]]
[[Category:Scottish people convicted of assault]]
[[Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers]]
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[[Category:English Football League managers]]
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