Pompey or Pigeons

Pompey head a list of clubs willing to take Big Dunc on for one last hurrah in the Premiership. Hawwy Wedknapp, Pompey's manager is a long time admirer of the Scottish forward, and would jump at the chance to take him to Fratton Park. Norwich are also said to be interested, but our sources close to Dunc, tell us he is quite happy playing with his pigeons for the time being.

Hawwy says: "Duncan's a strong lad who holds the ball up well and can still do a job in The Premiership." (15/05/06)

A Pleasure To Play With Dunc

The 2006 Blue Kipper Starman was full of praise for Big Dunc and was glad to give him the penalty against WBA.

Mikel says: "The reception he got was unbelievable and it was really nice to have a team-mate like him. It was his last day and everyone was terrific with him. Everybody would love to have a last day like he has done. He has been someone special at the club, a special character. We will find it difficult in the training room because he is a strong character and he always has nice words for each of us. All last week, I kept asking Duncan 'what are you doing next season?' but he kept saying 'Micky, I don't know. Maybe I feel like I can keep playing'.

So I didn't know. Then we got the penalty and Faddy came running over. He said 'Micky, Micky what are you doing? It's his last game!' I just said 'Fine, here, have it!' That's the way it was. I understand that he wanted to score and I'm very happy for him." (10/05/06)

Thanks, and I Love You All

Big Dunc who captained the Blues and played his last game in the Royal Blue in Sundays draw against the Baggies, has thanked all Evertonians for being the best in the World. The Big Man was moved to tears at the end of the match, and later on he told bluekipper when we bumped into him how much he loves the Blues. Well Dunc, we love you.

Dunc says: "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the Everton fans for the wonderful reception I received at the West Brom game. On Sunday at the end of the game the emotion I felt at seeing my family sharing that famous Goodison experience with me was overwhelming. It was a moment of pure magic that I shall never ever forget.

Throughout my career at Everton I have experienced a wonderful feeling of being accepted by the fans as ‘one of the family’ and the friendliness extended to me by all Liverpool people over the past 10 years had been fantastic. Whilst the Liverpool sense of humour is known throughout the world, for me the city’s greatest asset is the friendliness of the people. I would like to believe that the passion that I have for Everton is the equal to that of all the magnificent fans." (09/05/06)

End For Dunc?

Has Duncan Ferguson played his last game for the Blues? Moyesy left him out of the 16 at Boro in favour of youngsters Vidarsson and Anichebe. With just one game left against West Brom at Goodison next Sunday, and Duncan's contract up at the end of the season, it remains to be seen if Moyesy will give the Big man his last game. (29/04/06)

Watch Out Dunc's Back

Skipper, Davie Weir is grateful to have the big man back after a seven game suspension. The sight of Big Dunc warming up from the bench at Analfield on Saturday, will be greeted by sighs of "Oh Fuck!" and that will just be Sami Hypia.

Davie Weir says: "Duncan will be looking forward to being involved again. He has not played for seven weeks, and everyone knows how big the derbies are for Duncan and the club. I would have thought he would be desperate to play in the game. That is up to the manager but he has been training well and I am sure Liverpool wouldn't look forward to facing him. I can remember playing against him when I was at Falkirk. I have a few memories but it is not really a secret that he is a handful. The game is changing and Duncan has a lot of characteristics that are maybe going out of the game. The game is becoming less physical and you cannot get away with as much now. But Duncan still has a lot to offer, that's for sure." (22/03/06)

Back For The Derby

Dunc has been banned for a total of 7 games by the FA today. They have banned him for 2 sending off incidents at the Wigan game. Six matches in all and an extra one as he's Duncan Ferguson. He has already served a two game ban. So will be available for the Derby game on 25th March 2006. The big man was also fined £5,000 and ordered to pay the costs of the Commission. (10/02/06)

No Faith

Moyesy has hit out against the FA for charging Duncan. He hopes it's not victimisation.

Moyesy says: "I was surprised by the second charge. Having seen the incident again I have got to say there is probably a reason for it to be brought to attention. But I can think of an incident off the top of my head not too far away from here when certain people were not brought to charge. I would hope it isn't victimisation in any way.

I have got no faith in the compliance department at the FA. I don't think there is anybody in that department who has ever played football, ever refereed or ever managed. If you are the person being asked to decide if something is or is not violent conduct you would think you would have the correct qualifications. If you look at it I would say the people in that department do not have the correct qualifications. We have been charged and we will appeal against the charge and see where that goes.

I hope the people who are choosing the new England manager have more about them than the people who look at the decisions in the compliance department. I hope for everybody's sake in England that is the case." (03/02/06)

FA To Throw The Book At Dunc

It looks like the FA will throw the book at Dunc over his latest boxing incident on a football pitch. Video evidence is showing that it was not just the punch that Dunc threw at Paul Scharner that is troubling the FA, but another dig aimed at Pascal Chimbonda as he was pulled away from the melee. If found guilty (is the Pope Catholic), Dunc will probably sit out the next six matches. Moyesy is said to be delighted.

Dunc can appeal, but it is believed that Peter Sutcliffe has a better chance of getting off when he next visits the Parole Board.

Dunc now shares the unenvieable record of eight sending off's in the Premiership, holding the record jointly with Patrick Viera.

Everton Secretary Dave Harrison says: "We have until 1800GMT on Friday to decide what course of action to take.

If Duncan is found guilty of this latest charge then his period of suspension has the potential to be increased from three matches to six. The options open to Duncan are that he can admit the charge or he can deny it. If it is the latter, then the football club can present a case to The Football Association." (02/02/06)

Moyes Let Down By Ferguson

Duncan Ferguson was sent off after hitting Wigan player, Scharner. Moyesy was not pleased.

Moyesy says: “I can’t defend it. Duncan has let us down tonight and I have told him as much. I felt that after Duncan had come on we had turned the game around a bit. He knows it himself and he is disappointed with himself. It doesn’t help us at all." (31/01/06)

Our Dunc is a Rare Breed

Once again Moyesy is applauding the efforts of veteran striker Duncan Ferguson who gave the England centre half a torrid afternoon on Saturday. John Terry never stopped complaining to the ref regarding Dunc's ability to beat him to every header. Moyesy reckons it will have been a good experience for Terry to come up against an old fashioned centre forward like Dunc. The Big Man however after his exertions is a doubt for tomorrow's visit to Wigan, but hopefully if he does make it, there is Stephanie Henchoz there to give a torrid hour and a half to.

Moyesy says: "It's the sort of experience that all young centre-halfs used to have a long time ago. I've played against Duncan many times as a player so I know what it's like. I'll tell you about it some day!

I'm sure John Terry will have enjoyed it because he is that type of centre-half, a warrior, and a really good player. They don't make them that way any more. I don't want to reel out the names here but I think we could all think of the ones in the past who might come into that category. You know when you play against Duncan you're going to have a tough game.

He sometimes finds it a struggle and we won't know how he is for Tuesday yet, but we needed him on Saturday and you could see he is doing fine with some parts of his game, while other bits of the game he looks tired, but that's the way he is." (30/01/06)

Great He's Staying

After all the rumpus over the possible Pompey move has died down, Everton skipper Davie Weir has said that all the squad are chuffed that Dunc is staying. Dunc gave the so called best English centre half a torrid 5 minutes when he came on yesterday, reducing the giant Campbell to moaning to the ref for protection. Yer big girls blouse.

Davie Weir says: "I think it is no secret how much Duncan enjoys it here and how much everybody enjoys him being here. It is good news for everyone that Duncan wants to stay here. That has always been the case but I am sure him reaffirming it has made a lot of people happy. Dunc has got a presence. He has done a lot of good things here and he has done a lot of good things in the game. We realise how important a player he can be for us in the team. We want to get the best from him and we would definitely rather have him on our side." (22/01/06)

Left Out Of FA Cup

Everton will have to get through the 3rd round of the FA Cup without Big Dunc. Over the last few weeks, Everton have shown why they can't survive without the Scottish International. Most fans were on a downer when he was missing against the shite. Apparently Dunc was fit and not very happy not to be involved in the Derby. Everton were diabolical at Sunderland, until the Everton number 9 came on as sub. He gave the players and fans alike a lift and we ended up winning.

Football is all about players. You can't make a player what he isn't. As much as Biffa has played out of his skin and scored goals recently, he can't hold the ball up and encourage his midfielder's to come and get the ball from him. Duncan can. Marcus Bent may be able to out sprint the big man, but he can't pass a ball like Dunc. Jimmy Mac maybe able to do circus tricks before he loses the ball. Duncan simply doesn't lose it.

So Moyesy's decision to leave Dunc out of the 3rd round of the FA Cup is a big risk, especially when most of the Blue Kipper lads have a few dollars on Everton to win the FA Cup at 50/1.

Moyesy says: "We will continue to use Duncan in the role he filled against Charlton but not for this game. We have had a look at the situation and he will not be suitable for this game." (07/01/06)

Don't Go

Biffa Beattie wants Duncan to stick around for a lot longer. He really has heaped praise on the big man.

James says:"Duncan's his own man, and will make his own decision.But he was captain against Charlton and produced a great performance on the pitch. And at half-time he was giving the team-talk before the gaffer came in. He was shouting and telling people what to do. That's the respect he has at this club - all the fans love him and he has got the utmost respect in the dressing room.

"He can definitely still play a part in the second half of the season. Duncan's had a tremendous career and he's a legend here - he's been that at every club he's played for. We would not want to see him call it a day. We will be trying to persuade him in every way we can, and I'd like to see him stay on. Duncan is tremendous in the air and causes a lot of problems for defence's," added Beattie.It's a different game to what I usually play, because normally it's me going up for the aerial battles. It allows me to play a different game, when I'm the one getting on to the flicks and trying to get into positions where I can be put through to score."(04/01/06)

Captain Courageous

We all knew he was up for it. Duncan put in a Captain's performance against Charlton and David Moyes is delighted.

Moyesy says: "Duncan will tell me how he is, but I thought he played great today. He was a terrific skipper as well. He feels he can't play regular games and can't start regularly, and if he gets the odd start he feels that that probably suits his body better. You'll come and ask me next week 'Why's Duncan not playing?' but it's something we're both aware of. He's experienced enough and he'll tell me when he thinks it's not for him."(03/01/06)

Have A Think About It

Duncan will spend some time thinking about his future. David Moyes is hoping for one last effort from the big man. Maybe against the shite.

Moyesy says: "Duncan is still here and wants to have a think about things over the next few weeks. He has had a better week's training this week and he might feel a little bit better. Duncan is an old enough professional to know his body and we will see how he is after the next week or so." (26/12/05)

Players Want Dunc To Stay

Everton skipper Davie Weir says the full squad of players want the big man to stay.

Davie says: "I would be very surprised if he packed in. He is somebody we definitely do not want to see leave the dressing room. Duncan is a big player for us and he still has a lot to give. I for one hope he keeps playing for a good while yet." (23/12/05)

Retirement For Dunc in January

Dunc has confided in Moyesy that he is finding it more and more difficult to be fit for game after game in the Premiership, and may consider his future in January. He will still be available for the Bolton game today. He has suffered chronic back pain throughout his Everton career, which some fans don't know about.

Head physio Mick Rathbone said this in March 2004: "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."

Moyesy says: "Duncan's struggling at the moment and he's considering his future. He will make a decision in January and it's possible that he will finish for good. He doesn't feel that he can make as big an impact as he once did and he doesn't want to let me, the supporters or himself down. He's a bit down but it shows the character of the man that he told me about it and I give him credit for that. Duncan approached me and it's been very tough on him. His body and his legs are very sore and he's not feeling as if he is up for it. Generally, that's the way he feels. I spoke to him and he maybe feels he can't still perform at this level. Duncan finds it hard not being able to make the kind of impact that he would like in matches and that's what is hurting him. I don't think that it has anything to do with him not playing all the time.

He did well for us last season, often coming on for us as a substitute and scoring crucial goals. It was those displays that earned him a new contract until the end of this season. I've told him to see how things go over the next couple of weeks because we still need him to play if he can. Duncan could feature against Bolton but that won't change things. He just feels that he isn't up to a run of games at present. It does make finding new players more important. We'll do our best to bring someone in." (17/12/05)

Mystery Solved

Everyone was mystified when Big Dunc never made the starting line up, no more than me, as I had a tenner on him for first goal. No fall outs, with the management thankfully, but a bout of sickness kept the Big Man from turning out against his old club.

Moyesy says: Duncan was ill. He reported ill on Saturday. We hoped he would be able to make it but he didn’t even come to the ground because of illness. He was ill last week and trained all this week. We thought he would be okay but on Saturday morning he came in and felt unwell so we sent him home." (28/11/05)

90 Minutes

Big Dunc played his first 90 minutes for Yonks against Bolton. Everton's number 9 never got anything from the ref, who constantly pulled him up. Of course the big man just accepted the decisions without dissent. The last 20 minutes saw Dunc bag in defence winning headers, as they pumped high balls into the Everton box.

Moyesy says: "We could have done with taking Duncan Ferguson off with 25 or 30 minutes to go but we couldn't because of the threat from their set-pieces. (21/08/05)

Dunc Keeps Number 9 Shirt

The precious number 9 shirt will be worn by Duncan for this season. Moyesy has decided to leave the man in possession with the shirt. Duncan won support from the fans to keep the shirt. The big man even has a tattoo of his shirt number.

On our poll he won 78% of the vote. James Beattie will wear the number 8 and James Vaughan the number 29. Full Squad numbers. (10/08/05)

Come In Number 9

Big Dunc has been handed the number 9 shirt, but only for the tour of Thailand. Everton have said that there maybe changes to who wears what for the start of the premiership season, but it seems a bit silly to change things now. There is a strong feeling amongst the fans that Dunc should stay number 9. What do you think? e-mail info@bluekipper.com (17/09/05) Full Squad Numbers

Made Up

Big Dunc is 'made up' to have signed on for another year.

Dunc says: "The contract has been spoken about for the last six months or so, but the manager had always said that nothing would be sorted until the end of the season. After the Bolton game on the Sunday, I met with the manager David Moyes on the Wednesday afternoon and we shook hands on the deal almost straight away.

We shut a lot of people up by staying in the fourth position as long as we did. Maybe we surprised ourselves at first, but we beat a lot of teams and stayed there. I'm made up to have signed for another year. I've still got a bit left. I proved last season that I can still do a job for the club and everyone knows what I'm about.

I've been here for a long time now and I don't think the fans are bored with me yet. Goals like the one I got that night against Manchester United obviously help. I may not be the same player as I was eight years ago but I can still do a good job against the best of them." (18/06/05)

Big Man To Sign Next Week

We should know next week if Big Dunc accepts a new deal to stay at the Blues, which will undoubtedly mean a huge pay cut for the Big Scot. Dunc who has been a fixture around Goodison for over ten years now, apart form his short stay in the North East, is expected to sign on the dotted line, and know one will be happier than Moyesy.

This season has seen Dunc back to his best, mainly coming on from the bench, but playing a huge role in Everton's qualification for the Champions League.

Moyesy says: "He is here and as long as he remains strong and fit he will be considered with everybody else. Does he epitomise Everton? Yes, in a lot of ways. We are more than just a side that fights but he is very committed and wants to do well.

There is a loyalty to the club, when you come here, it is something that grabs hold of you. It makes you want to do the best you can and if you do that the public here accept you. Duncan became very important to us. He played much of the season as a substitute, and a very effective one. Duncan had a lot of problems with injuries, but he has been free of those and his training has been better. He has been able to get more work in and it went okay for us.

He was an excellent person to come off the bench and that suited us. He has started several games recently, the Manchester United one comes to mind when on the night he was the Duncan Ferguson of old and the one we all knew. But we will continue to use him in that way, we hope to keep him next season and it will be for similar purposes." (20/05/05)

Duncan Last Season