bluekipper.com - Everton players

It is believed that Everton will offer Big Dunc a £500,000 pay off to leave the club now. The Big Man who is due to earn at least another £2 million in wages at the Blues, before his contract expires next year, is causing the Blues money men major headaches. The number crunchers at Goodison have been trying to work out, how to finance The Duke's proposed five year £12 million pound package. Unfortunately for Dunc, he may be one of the casualties, but he holds all the aces, and he might decide to sit tight till his contract run's its course. (09/07/04)

Big Dunc could join the growing numbers of first teamers who have played their last games for the Blues this season.

The Big Man who is eligible for this weekends clash against relegation certainties Wolves, is already doubtful through, yes you've guessed it lack of match fitness. With the wrapping up their season last night, Ferguson's chances of getting a game to prove his match fitness look as slim as Bernard Manning.

Moyesy says: "It looks unlikely that Duncan will be available for the weekend trip to Wolves. Further than that I can't say." (28/04/04)

Everton have decided not to appeal against Big Dunc's four game ban, for throttling Leicester's Steffan Freund, as the big Scot is injured anyway. With Everton now not appealing, Dunc can start his ban straight away, as he would have missed this weekends game with his groin injury. He will however be available for the last three games of the season, when hopefully our Premiership safety will already have been guaranteed.

Moyesy says : “Duncan can start his ban immediately,” Moyes said. “He is injured and we do not think he is going to be available for the games over Easter, so we feel that we are better taking care of his ban now. To be honest, we need Duncan because we are so short of players and I could have done with him for the games, but he doesn’t feel he will be fit. Therefore, the best thing to do is get his ban out of the way and get him ready for the final three games.” (07/04/04)

Big Dunc, has been hit with a further four game ban, and a whopping (to us anyway) £10,000 fine, following his altercation with Steffan Freund. The Big Man who has already served a one game suspension for his red card in the same game, has been hit hard by the FA. It is not known whether Dunc will do a Rio, and appeal against the severity of the ban, to drag the affair out till after the end of the season. I would then worry about next season, when next season is here. You never know, we may even buy Herman Crespo, or somebody like that, in Chelsea Summer give away. OK, sorry I will go now. The ban will rule him out for the last four games of this campaign, so effectively he will be available for selection against Spurs this weekend. Will Moyesy pick him though. (05/04/04)

Duncan has pleaded guilty to the charges of violent conduct and improper behaviour after his sending off against Leicester. He has asked for a personal hearing which should be sometime next month.

Better news for Duncan is he has been cleared of any wrong doing over the Boa Morte shite. Souldn't Boa Morte be now charged by The FA for being a fuckin liar and a gobshite.

FA spokesman said:" “The FA can announce that it found insufficient evidence to charge Mr Ferguson, following allegations of racial abuse by Fulham player Luis Boa-Morte.”(30/03/04)

Everton physio Basil Rathbone is hopeful Dunc will be back in contention for the Spurs game on Good Friday. It seems that a groin strain at the eleventh hour ruled Dunc out of Saturdays end to end, edge of the seat, nail biting thriller against Boro. The big fella' is suspended for this weekends clash at Newcastle, so he has time to get himself right for the Easter program.

Basil says: "Duncan overstretched in training on Thursday and he’s sustained what looks like a relatively minor groin strain. He had a fitness test on Saturday morning and he wasn’t quite right, so he had to miss the game against Middlesbrough. Obviously, he can’t play on Saturday, so our mission now is to get him fit and ready for the game against Spurs on Good Friday." (31/03/04)

Big Dunc has been officially charged by the FA, after his shenanigans at the weekend. He has been charged with FA Rules E1 and E2, which relate to improper behaviour, which is the posh way of saying he strangled his opponent.

Everton Club Secretary David Harrison says: "Duncan has been charged with misconduct for breaches of FA rules E1 and E2. Basically, he’s been charged with violent behaviour in relation to the incident with Steffen Freund and improper behaviour in relation to an alleged gesture he made when leaving the field of play. Duncan has got 14 days to reply to the charges and whether he pleads guilty or not guilty, he has the option to request a personal hearing for either plea. The club will now sit down with Duncan and discuss the matter further before deciding the best way forward.” (24/03/04)

Moyesy is quietly confident that the Big Man will make his starting eleven for this weekend's trip to Leicester City. Moyesy believes that Dunc was a bit stiff, after doing something in the week in training. Well fuck that, I'm not asking him you can.

Moyesy says: "Duncan is not as bad as we first thought. Whether he will be available for the weekend or not, I'm not sure. I think it was a bit of stiffness from what we had done in the week, and that had might of played a part in it. Duncan has probably trained harder in the last three months, than he has in a long, long time." (18/03/04)

Duncan is expected to be missing for 2 weeks after being subbed after 37 minutes with a hamstring injury.

Bazza says: " Duncan was feeling his hamstring early on in the gane and it started to worsen as time wore on. He didn't feel it pull but thought it was imminent so we took him off. We have assessed him this morning at Bellefield and the injury looks relatively minor and hopefully he will back in the next couple of weeks."(15/04/03)

The FA are to interview Franny Jeffers as part of their investigation into racist abuse claims against Duncan. It is hoped that after speaking to Franny, Duncan expects to be fully exonorated. (09/03/04)

There are plenty of Duncan knockers out there but Everton's Head Physio Mick Rathbone is not one of them.

Bazza says: "When I first came to the club, people were saying to me 'God help you with Duncan, he is always injured', so I was a bit reticent you know, but I can honestly say that every injury he has had has been a genuine one and he has got the scars to prove it. It might be interesting to note that since last March, when he recovered from that big operation on the nerve that was trapped in his buttock, I don't think he has missed a days training apart from when he was quite ill and was a couple of weeks away.

"There was also of course that little problem with the manager when Duncan was away from the training ground for a bit but otherwise he has been training every day. It will surprise a lot of people I know when I say that Duncan comes in here every Sunday on his own to do his own training and on regular training days he is often first in and the last to leave." (05/03/04)

We are led to believe there were a few raised eyebrows raised when David Moyes announced that Duncan was to keep the Captain’s armband instead of Stubbsey.

Alan Stubbs said: “Duncan is captain at the moment and it is something I don't think should be passed here, there and everywhere. As far as I am concerned now I won't be captain and it is as simple as that. You know what you are getting from Dunc. He is a leader, he is a big presence and he has done absolutely fantastically for the team, which is there for everybody to see. You don't need me to say that. Everyone has been thoroughly delighted with the way Dunc has performed lately and we as players have seen that.
Moysey said:” In the Southampton game I was pleased with the way Duncan approached the role so I decided to keep the captaincy with him. I was privy to events in the dressing room before the game and he did the motivational side of the job very well. I spoke to Alan and explained my reasons to him fully. He accepted that."(02/03/04)

With Dunc's fitness getting better and better, Alan Irvine thinks we are seeing the best of the big Scotsman in his time at Goodison. With his partnership with The Duke, looking awesome, goals at least should be a plenty in the coming weeks.

Alan Irvine says: "Duncan has been getting fitter and fitter. Last season it was very difficult for him because he was rarely fully fit at any time. But he has now got over all those problems." (28/02/04)

Big Dunc met FA Officials yesterday over the alleged racist comments issue, that has dragged on longer than The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. It is rumoured that the case will be dropped due to lack of corroboration on the Fulham players part, and also because nothing was said either.

An FA Spokesman says: "Our investigations into these allegations are still ongoing."(27/02/04)

Everton boss Davey Moyes says he had no qualms in handing the Big Man the captains arm band, for last Saturday's trip to Southampton, in the absence of Alan Stubbs. After their much publicised spat earlier in the season, the two big Everton figures seemed to have put it all behind them, as Everton battle to get the points they need, to pull them clear of the danger zone.

Moyesy says: "Of the people available he was the most suitable for the role of captain. He led the team very well on Saturday and showed he really cared about our situation. That was noticeable in his play." (24/02/04)

Big Dunc is rated a 50/50 chance for Saturday's crucial trip to manager less Southampton. Ferguson who is carrying a groin strain has missed training since being substituted in Everton's embarrassing away defeat to Birmingham last week.

Basil Rathbone says: "Duncan has had a minor groin strain, but he’s doing extremely well and we’re confident that he will be able to re-join full training by the end of the week." (19/02/04)

The reason Duncan came off at half time against Birmingham was a bout of double vision. I'm glad Jordan wasn't in the dressing room at the time.

Mick Rathbone said:“He took a blow to the back of his head and couldn’t see out of his left eye at half-time. When any player sustains a head injury, you have to err on the side of caution, so he came off. However, he has told me that he’s had it three or four times during his career and as we were on our way home it was starting to clear and he’s fine now.”(15/02/04)

Michael Dunford said:"I have received a phone call from the FA, and they have said they would like to talk to Duncan. We are now waiting for a date for that meeting, which will probably be in the next 14 days and we expect it to take place in Liverpool. We have had talks with Duncan's agent and have been told the player totally denies the allegations against him.Until we hear further, that is how the situation stands."(13/02/04)

One of Britians most eminent black politicians, Lord Taylor, has asked an immediate resolution to the allegations by Luis Boa Morte, over the alleged racial comments aimed at him by our very own Dunc. He believes if the issue is not brought to a head, years of bad blood will lay ahead for both teams whenever they meet. I much as I agree with his sensible statement, I do believe the bad blood started years ago, and Mr. Boa Morte has just added fuel to a fire that was burning out of control anyway.

Lord Taylor of Somewhere or Other says: "It's dragged on far too long already and we can't have it dragging on for weeks and weeks because it's like a festering wound. All sorts of other allegations could then be made. People then start to lose the focus and it grows out of all proportion. Nobody died and I'm not sure a lot of good can come out of feuds. These players will face each other again so are we going to have a running feud every time they play? The teams will play each other next season and the season after. Do we want a running feud every year because of the incident? No. We might end up with supporters fighting each other and I don't want to see that happen." (12/02/04)

As the race row rumbles on, whilst Boa Morte runs to any tabloid that will listen to him, Big Dunc is keeping a dignified silence over the whole affair. Ex team mates like Daniel Amokachi are coming out to say how pathetic these allegations are. Ammo who was part of the Everton set up along side Big Dunc when they last won a trophy, has come out defending his former team mate. Big Dunc who made the 3000 mile round trip to Tunisia many years ago to attend his good friends wedding, will be delighted at such high profile support.

Daniel Ammo says: "He would be the last person on earth to get involved in anything like this. Maybe the person concerned has just misheard whatever has been said." (10/02/04)

Chris Coleman and Moyesy have come up with a solution for the Big Dunc Boa Morte spat, they reckons if they get together and shake hands it will all be over and done with! We what a pity it all came out in the first place!!

Coleman says: "I would like to think Luis would be prepared to do that. It would be nice if Duncan Ferguson appeared as well. That would be the best way and the end of the matter." 'It would be nice if Duncan appeared as well....!!! The Portugese would be on his own if Dunc didn't appear!! Good luck boys, the sooner this one is over the better. (09/02/04)

Everton boss Dave Moyes has had a fresh bust-up with striker Duncan Ferguson after they returned from their jolly from the Canaries. Moyesy sent the Scottish striker home early on Monday following a heated altercation at Bellefield, believed to be over the reserves. The argument also started over who was cock of the club.Ferguson apparently was not having it that he was only the second hardest and told Moyesy so. (19/11/03)

Duncan will not be ready for the Blackburn game. David Moyes will not take any chance with him, wanting him to be 100% fit before he is playing again.

Moyesy said: "He seems okay but he has been off this week and we just want to make sure he is right because he has had a problem with his breathing. There is no point him coming back in until it has cleared up." (08/11/03)

Big Dunc was admitted to hospital on Monday evening when he was complaining of breathing difficulties, and of coughing up blood.He was given the all clear, after spending the night in Southport General, and is now at home recuperating.It is highly unlikely that he will be fit to face Blackburn on Monday evening as he is not expected back at Bellefield till Friday.Dunc was originally in the starting eleven to face Chelsea last week, but was sent home after feeling unwell.It is not known who spiked his Bovril.

Basil Rathbone says: "Duncan was taken ill prior to the game with Chelsea last weekend, which obviously meant he was unable to play. He was diagnosed with Upper Respiratory Syndrome and after complaining of feeling feint was admitted to hospital on Monday in order for some tests to be carried out.He was given the all-clear and released from hospital the day after." (06/11/03)

Big Dunc faces a race against time to be fit for this weekends clash against Southampton having caught a chest infection.The Big Man is in a rich vein of form scoring four goals in five appearances this season.He picked up a groin strain in the Blues last run out against Tottenham, and because of the chest bug, the medical staff have not been able to properly evaluate his groin injury, though hopefully by the end of the week he should be back training.

Moyesy says: "Duncan has had a chest infection which has stopped him training and because of that we have not been able to fully assess the groin strain he picked up at Tottenham.He should be able to train later in the week and we'll see how he is then.We have had a few players with a little bit of flu. It has helped that a lot of the squad has been away on international duty and it is nothing too serious." (14/10/03)

Duncan has found himself working with Mick Rathbone in the treatment room today with his good mate Stubbsey. With nearly 2 weeks before the next game both should be ok for the Southampton game.

David Moyes said:"Duncan has a bit of a groin strain as does Alan Stubbs. Both picked them up in the game on Saturday. It's a bit too early to say how bad they are. We will just have to monitor them."(06/10/03)

Big Joe Royle once coined the phrase "Duncan is Unplayable" many moons ago when Dunc was on fire. Now the Big Man has returned to full fitness, Moyesy has used the same phrase.

"I think it has done him the world of good to get his self belief back. He scored a fine header against Leeds, his first header at Goodison for a very long time. He led the line, he gave us a different option and all round we were pleased with his performance. It is a long hard road to get back to top form when you have been as good a player as Duncan Ferguson who was, as everyone knows, unplayable at times. He has been out injured for the best part of two years, maybe longer. He has put in a lot of hard work in training and he has shown how much he wanted it, and needed it as well." (03/10/03)

Davey Moyes assured Blues fans today, that if The Big Man starts against Spurs on Saturday there will be no need for the long ball.Most Evertonians have long known that Dunc is a gifted player on the ground, and this has been more than illustrated in his performances recently,were to put it mildly he has been outstanding.The team performance against Leeds was probably the best under Moyesy, and Big Dunc was a huge part of that, so maybe in the twilight of his career,we shall yet see the Real Dunc

Moyesy says: "I don't want us to be hitting Duncan on the head all the time.That is not the kind of football I am looking for and it was good to see we were trying to play the right way on Sunday with Duncan in the team.It is something we have talked about in the last few weeks and on Sunday we were not sucked into playing long balls to hit him all the time." (02/10/03)

Eat My Shorts

Duncan scored his second goal in a week, after starting his first league start of the season. It's only early days, but to get two full 90 minutes from the big man when he is playing like this is fantastic. Apparently a certain big mouth journo & Evertonian(would you believe) has said he would eat his own underwear if Fergie continues to play & score throughout the season, as he thinks it's another false dawn. Well after the last two games, he may well be thinking he should have said he'd eat Sir Les Patterson's grundy's, as these would be more appetising than his own. Let's hope for more shirt twirling in the coming weeks.

Moyesy says: "Duncan was going very strong throughout the game and he was always a threat in the box. It was a terrific ball from Tony Hibbert for his goal. But we used Duncan's threat at the right time. We got balls into the box at the right time and we used clever wing play at the right time." (29/09/03)

Man Mountain

Big Dunc today continued to receive the plaudits, for his recent run of good form .His two goal show was described as magnificent by Stockport's stand in boss John Hollins.These are nice problems for Moyesy to have with Leeds on Sunday, with a full compliment of strikers to pick from.

Alan Irvine says: "It was a real bonus to get 90 minutes out of Duncan. It has been a long wait for him to get his chance. He has had a full pre-season for the first time in a long time, and for him to get a full game was a massive boost for both him and us. (25/09/03)

John Hollins: "In the first 25 minutes, I thought we had a chance of pulling off a shock, but then Everton got their first goal. It was a great education for us and big Duncan was like a man mountain. He was magnificent and I don't think he gave the ball away once all night." (25/09/03)

Two Goal Dunc

Big Dunc scored a penalty, & a close range shot against Stockport to put Everton into the 3rd round of the Carling Cup. Will he keep his place against Leeds on Sunday? Or will Moyesy persist in the Rad & Rooney partnership. (25/09/03)

First Team Recall

First Team Coach Alan Irvine today gave a clear indication that Big Dunc will be starting his first game for the Blues, in over eighteen months against Stockport tomorrow evening. Irvine sung the Big Man's praises with his attitude to training and his new found hunger to be a part of the Moyes revolution.

Irvine says: “Duncan’s probably in here as much as anyone, if not more. He comes in on days off. If he has any problems at all, in terms of any of his injuries that he’s had in the past, Duncan’s in very, very quickly to see the physio. Quite often you can’t get him away. He’s in the gym in the afternoons doing his own weights and things like that so Duncan’s worked very hard and he certainly hasn’t given me the impression that he’s about to put his feet up. He’s either not missed a session or certainly hardly missed a session and he’s in very good condition. He has done very well when he’s come on and certainly Duncan will be considered along with the other strikers." (23/09/03)

Back In Business

Moyesy came out today and gave Big Dunc a huge vote of confidence, after his appearance from the bench helped Everton salvage a point against Newcastle. He looked like the Dunc of old,marshalling the front line superbly,and the only blot on his day was being booked for appearing to pogo in front of the shittiest referee Goodison has witnessed since Mike Riley a fortnight ago.

Moyesy says:" Duncan has trained every day this season, and its probably the longest period where he has been active. Hopefully this will be the catalyst for him. He does give us an extra option with his height, but we don't want to become a long ball team. I am probably doing him a disservice. He is actually a terrific footballer with probably more ability in his feet than in the air." (15/09/03)

No Go Dunc

Ex Everton gaffer Joe Royle today made an audacious swoop for Everton hard man Duncan Ferguson on a loan deal. Royle said that Ferguson was a big impact player and he understood Everton's reasons for not parting with the big man.Bluekipper.com are lead to believe the deal broke down as he would have only been third cock at the Suffolk club.

Moyesy says: “Ipswich made an enquiry, but we told them no.” (11/09/03)

Big Dunc grabbed his second brace in a week to send a message to Moyesy that he can still find the net. Everton ran out 3 - 0 winners in today's (behind closed doors) friendly against Rotherham. Big Dunc weighed in with two second half headers after an oggy had put us one up at half time, hopefully there is something left to prove, starting against his old club Newcastle on Saturday (08/09/03)

Duncan will play some part against Rangers on Saturday. It has been nine years since Duncan was at Ibrox and he will be determined to put on a show for us and his old club.

Moyes said: "Duncan has worked hard in pre-season. We are pleased he has got himself fit and in a condition to be selected. We will want to be getting as much football into him as we can." (24/07/03)

Alex McLeish wants Big Duncan. Not to play for him, but to play against him. Why? Because he's big. He wants Duncan to give trialist defenders Emerson Thome and David May a tough time.

McLeish said "I know that both players have coped with this in the past but they have both had injuries and I have to be certain. I don't know if big Duncan Ferguson will be back in the scheme of things but English teams always pose a threat at set-pieces. They are notoriously big so I would like to see David and Emerson tested in this environment".(22/07/03)

For the first time in ages it looks like Duncan will complete a pre-season. With his injuries hopefully behind him can we expect the Duncan of old. Let's hope so.

Moyesy said:"Duncan is doing really well this pre-season. He's getting a good pre-season under his belt and has taken part in every training session since we started back. He's certainly looking fit and his test results show that."(17/07/03)