Duncan Ferguson truly cemented himself as an Everton hero, but only after returning from Newcastle United.
When you think of Everton heroes in the 21st century, few can match Duncan Ferguson.
The Scottish forward truly understood what it meant to be an Everton player, turning in committed and passionate displays throughout his two spells at Goodison Park.
Ferguson even took charge of five games as Everton’s interim manager, continuing his legacy with the Toffees long after retirement.
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.
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Duncan Ferguson shares sacrifice behind Everton transfer
Ferguson first joined Everton from Rangers back in 1994, arriving on loan before sealing a permanent move under Joe Royle.
The striker became a firm fan favourite with 42 goals in 133 games, before being sold to Newcastle United in 1998.
Ruud Gullit teamed Ferguson up with Alan Shearer in the Newcastle attack, but the Scot played just 41 times before returning to Everton in 2000.
Ferguson played another 140 times for Everton to really cement his reputation as a club hero, and he made a big sacrifice to make the move happen.
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Speaking on Everton’s official YouTube channel, Ferguson admitted that he left money on the table in order to leave Newcastle.
Ferguson still had four years left on his Newcastle contract, but he claims that he walked away from his remaining salary in order to force through the deal.
“I wouldn’t have moved anywhere other than to Everton,” said Ferguson.
“Bobby Robson come to me and said to me ‘look, Newcastle want to get their £4million back for you’, I had a four-year contract left, I walked away and left that money, so they got another £4million, £5million for me, because I walked away from my salary,” he added.
Duncan Ferguson tells ‘the story’ behind Newcastle United move
The fact that Ferguson left in the first place was difficult for many Everton supporters.
Ferguson was given a hero’s welcome as he returned to his spiritual home of Goodison Park, reversing his switch to Newcastle.
That move to Tyneside came about due to financial problems at Everton – at least that’s what Ferguson has been told.
Ferguson claims that he never really wanted to leave, but Everton needed the money at the time.
“I never asked for a transfer. I never asked for a transfer. The club wanted to sell me,” said Ferguson.
“I was a saleable asset. At the time, this is the spiel, this is the story, how true this story is, you never know, but the club were looking for money because the banks were closing in because they said they were skint.
“The word is they needed £8million very quickly. How true it was… I’m pretty sure it’s not far off the mark. I was a saleable asset, that’s why they cashed in,” he added.
The move to Newcastle ended up being a detour on Ferguson’s route to becoming an Everton legend, and it’s clear that his love for the club remains strong to this day.