Everton facing major behind-the-scenes loss after Carlo Ancelotti intervention – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Everton coach Duncan Ferguson to take up the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 50-year-old has got the “taste” for management following his recent interim spell at Goodison Park.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider (30 May) that Ferguson has been interviewed by Blackburn officials – and is now the clear front-runner to take charge at Ewood Park.
It is understood Everton have accepted they are now likely to lose their club legend and long-serving coach.
According to The Sun (4 June), former Toffees and current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has personally vouched for Ferguson during a phone call with Blackburn.
The former Scotland striker has taken temporary charge of Everton on two occasions – in December 2019 and January 2022.
Whelan suggested now is the right time for Ferguson to move on from Goodison Park to forge his own career in management.
“He’s had these bit-part roles at Everton when they’ve lost managers,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Sometimes when you’ve had that taste – you want more – week-in, week-out. It’s like with a player and first-team football.
“He’s coming to a point in his career where he’s been an assistant for too long.
“I think he will want to go and give it a shot. He’s certainly got the credentials to do so.
“It could give him the platform to kick on as a manager. It’s a very good club to go to in Blackburn Rovers as well.
“If it’s something he really wants to do, now is as good a time as any.”
In other news, international star undergoing Everton medical as offer accepted.