‘BIG MAN IS BORN TO RULE

KEVIN SHEEDY can still picture an eager Duncan Ferguson arriving at his house armed with a tactics board – desperate to become a top coach or manager.

Republic of Ireland star Sheedy – an integral part of the Everton side of the 80s, which won two league titles – had taken Ferguson under his wing while in charge of the Under-18s at Goodison.

Big Dunc had surprised many within the club, who had witnessed his chequered past, by asking to be allowed to spend time in their academy to go down the coaching route.

Sheedy (left) said: “He impressed everyone with his enthusiasm and willingness to learn and he eventually became my assistant with the Under-18s.

“Because he was willing to watch and listen, I spent many hours with him trying to pass on some of my experience. Whatever help I could give him he always took on board and was very grateful – he even came by for a coffee with his tacttics board! It all helped him complete his badges.”

When Roberto Martinez arrived in 2013, Ferguson was promoted to work with the first team.

Sheedy, 60 – recently returned from coaching in Saudi Arabia– added: “Duncan is very thorough, very meticulous in his preparation. He knows the game inside out and has gained valuable experience working alongside Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and Marco Silva.

“The club are looking to make the right appointment. But I know Duncan, short term or long term can do the job.”

And Sheedy revealed that Ferguson (below) also tapped into the man regarded as Everton’s greatest-ever manager, Howard Kendall.

“He was also very close to Howard Kendall and I know they watched games together at Howard’s house,” said Sheedy.

“Duncan had a lot of time for Howard and vice versa. Howard would have been very proud if he had been able to watch him in charge last Saturday.

“I honestly felt the atmosphere with Duncan in charge was similar to the ones we enjoyed. The fans got right behind the team and Duncan while the players covered every blade of grass. It was a fantastic day for Everton.

“His touchline celebrations were pure Duncan – that’s him.

“He loves the club and it also showed how much the players respect him. Chelsea are a very good side but we deserved to win the game.

“But you don’t win games just by pure emotion and adrenaline. I know Duncan closely and I know what makes him tick.

“Being passionate only gets you so far. You have got to be knowledgeable and to be able to do the job tactically.”