The day finally came that so many Blues fans had eagerly anticipated, the day that Mr Duncan Ferguson would grace the green grass of Goodison once more. Not as the coach that he has become, but wearing the badge once again on his chest as a player. As a result of his testimonial, the guys at the Everton Page 1878 and I got to thinking it would be a good opportunity to find out some of the fans views on the mighty Scot. I asked 20 fans five questions about Big Dunc and here is what they had to say.
So the first question I asked was one that had recently been asked on the Facebook page, which Big Dunc game is the fan favourite? There was a mixed response but a resounding choice was famous games against both Manchester United and, not surprisingly, Liverpool. The United games were both the 1995 and 2005 clashes where Blues fans were treated to headed goals from Dunc at the Gwladys Street end on both occasions. The Derby games of choice came in the shape of his first and Joe Royle's as Everton manager back in 1994 when Gary from Ellesmere Port believes "he became an overnight hero". In the mix included a hat trick against Bolton in 1997, Leeds from September 2003 when Everton won 4-0, Newcastle on the first day of the 1996/97 season, and last but not least his final game against West Brom in 2006 with his last minute goal following a missed penalty.
The second of the five questions was in relation to Big Dunc fitting into the current Everton side under Roberto. The feeling from the fans was mostly positive, one fan saying he would fit in "like he did when he played, when he was up for it (he was the) best striker around". Simon from Liverpool thought he "would suit Martinez's style of play". Margaret from Liverpool was also positive saying "he still has the skills to play with the young players". One fans view was that the current team could be positive for Big Dunc, "we'd bring out more of the quality Dunc has in his feet than in the sides he has played in over the years". Some of the negative views came in the form of, "would be more of a squad player than a first team", "average" and "not too good with the service Rom has been getting". I wonder now people have seen Dunc back playing again on the pitch whether the views would change on how they have answered this one!
The midway question of the five asked was a little bit of provocative one, do people think big Dunc is a legend? It has been said by more than one fan that he maybe isn't quite a Kevin Ratcliffe or a Dixie Dean, so I was interested to hear what people had to say. The voting went with 13 fans saying 'yes', 6 saying 'no' and one 'almost'. Steve from Netherley, who was the almost, said "if he had helped us win a league then deffo". Of those that were positive about whether Big Dunc is considered a legend included Ian, who compared the Scot to Bob Latchford - "the only good things in their respective teams". Finally one fan said he understood the argument about the lack of medals however, "For blues of a certain age, like me, he was a beacon of hope in difficult times". Point very well made.
Another slightly provocative question with number four was about whether people thought Dunc would be a future Everton manager one day. The sides were divided again on this one with 10 saying 'yes', 6 saying 'no' and 6 with either a 'possibly' or 'hopefully'. Robbie from Liverpool made an interesting comment which really resonated when he said: "I wouldn't want him to take the abuse from fans and media if we were struggling". I think in this day and age and with such passionate fans it is a real risk that he would be taking as Robbie so rightly points out. I think as Newcastle saw with John Carver sometimes it isn't the best thing to allow someone so close to the club to manage the actual team. David thought that "with experience from another team" he could do the job.
The last of the five questions was 'of any striker in Everton's history who would the fans pair Big Dunc up with?'. A mixed bag on this one with the lead taken by Dixie Dean with five votes, next was both Cottee and Lineker with four, followed by Sharpy with three, Andy Gray with two, and Rooney and Alex Young both with one. A couple of people chose more than one however such as Kyle from Liverpool who said: "Dixie Dean or a smaller man like Andy Gray". Also Peter Beardsley got a mention but only as a maybe. One lucky fan in the form of Ste from Liverpool hopefully got to see his choice of strike duo on Sunday - Dunc and Wayne!
So there it is, the fans views of the Everton great that is Duncan Ferguson. It was an outstanding turn out for him on Sunday, as was to be expected. A man that will always be in the hearts of Evertonians.
Thank you to the 20 people who answered questions that contributed to the blog, I am sorry you cannot all be named. Look out for future surveys during the course of the new season for another opportunity to have your say.
Footymadgirl
No comments:
Post a Comment