Reasons for Duncan Ferguson and Leighton Baines to be successful for Everton
Duncan Ferguson and Leighton Baines will succeed for Everton because of a unique ability to work together, according to a report in The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe.
The long-time Toffee’s left-back is set to join the caretaker manager in charge at Goodison until a permanent manager is found (Liverpool Echo), and the duo have been hailed for their specific qualities.
Everton take on Aston Villa this weekend in the first game of the post-Rafa Benitez era and hopes are high for the interim duo.
O’Keeffe wrote: “Those around the club’s Finch Farm HQ tell The Athletic that Ferguson and Baines work well as a duo based on mutual respect, complementary skills and an understanding of what it takes to play for the club and rise to the occasion in front of a full-throated Goodison.
And a source at the club has told the outlet: “The combination of their best qualities builds a rare and effective managerial unit.
“Duncan has a lot more to him than just passion and rabble-rousing. He also has a lot of game intelligence and when you can use top managers as Ancelotti and David Moyes as a sounding board, you’re in a good position, aren’t you?
“Equally, Leighton isn’t just the quiet thinker. He has grown as a voice in the dressing room and at leading sessions.”
Master and apprentice?
After the turmoil during the unwelcome reign of Rafael Benitez thanks to his Liverpool past, the prospect of a tenure with legendary Goodison figures at the helm will be exactly what the supporters need.
The Scottish caretaker manager’s force of personality is well known, and feared, from his playing days, and his emotional period in temporary charge during 2019 showed that he can inspire both players and fans in the short term.
What remains to be seen is his deeper managerial abilities and how they might manifest themselves over an extended period of time.
If the support coming from the club source is accurate it sounds like he might be well placed to impress tactically as boss.
The big, forceful character of the ex-Everton striker contrasts with the smaller, more reserved figure of Englishman Baines, and might represent something of an odd couple at the club.
But the report suggests that the differing nature of the personalities work well together as each man brings elements that the other lacks.
If that proves to be the case, some stability might be on the cards finally at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the manager’s job has reportedly been offered to this unexpected candidate.