Everton hit by ‘massive’ pre-season blow after confirmed news – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Everton and Frank Lampard have suffered a “massive blow” on the eve of pre-season after losing assistant manager Duncan Ferguson.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted now is the “right time” for the 50-year-old club legend to forge his own path in management.
Everton confirmed on Monday (4 July) that Ferguson has left his role as first-team assistant manager to “pursue his managerial ambition”.
The former Scotland international has been associated with the Toffees in some capacity since his purchase from Rangers in 1994.
Everton take on Arsenal in their first pre-season friendly on 17 July but have already returned to training at Finch Farm.
Whelan hailed the ex-striker for taking such a difficult decision.
“It would be a massive blow for any club to lose a servant like him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s been in and around Goodison Park for a very long time now, he’s almost like a permanent fixture.
“I think it was the right thing to do. He was in the shadows of a lot of managers and was given the opportunity to step in as interim or caretaker and did a tremendous job.
“It’s time now for him to make a name for himself as a manager.
“It must be really hard for him to leave because we know how much he loves Everton.
“It’s not easy to leave a club and a family when it’s like that, but he obviously wanted to do it for himself.
“He’s been invaluable to managers with the information and the passion he brings to the job.
“I wish him all the best because the passion just oozes out of him – and I’m sure that will translate wherever he ends up.”
In other news, pundit claims Everton may have found ideal Richarlison replacement after £30m news.