Ex-Everton physio shares hilarious Duncan Ferguson story
Former Everton physio Mick Rathbone has shared the hilarious story of his first meeting with club legend Duncan Ferguson that left them close friends.
Rathbone joined the Toffees in March 2002 from Preston as head of medical for David Moyes’ side after the Scot took charge at Goodison Park.
In an interview with The Athletic, Rathbone discussed his opening day with the club and how after initially ‘shaking with fear’ by the entrance of the training ground, an exchange with Ferguson soon settled his nerves.
“The lads at Preston had told me that I shouldn’t go, that Big Dunc apparently hates physios,” Rathbone said.
“I had some faded denim on and a yellow checked shirt. I made my way into the foyer and heard a big voice, which I now know to belong to Big Dunc.
“‘Have you clocked that fucking physio? It’s Bob the ******* Builder’ -everyone burst into laughter. The door swings open and he’s there, filling the hallway.
“‘I’m Big Dunc. I’ve ended a few careers’. ‘I’m Baz. I’ve ended a few players’ careers,’ I replied.
“He put his face close to mine and poked me in the chest. He said, ‘You and me are going to be pals’.
“I told him, ‘That’s great because you spend a lot of time in the medical room, don’t ya?’. He started laughing. From that moment, I was in.”
Big Dunc
There’s a reason why Ferguson is a club legend on the pitch, but he’s also loved off it by everyone associated with the club.
The Scot had an aura about him during his time at Goodison Park and always came across as a fearless leader with a soft side for those that he cared for.
Essentially, that was anyone in a blue shirt or anyone that was helping those in blue to be successful.
He welcomed in the fresh face in his own, unique way and it stuck with Rathbone almost 20 years later which tells you just how great he is.
Fans absolutely love him and that won’t change any time soon. It was clear during his most recent spell as interim manager in January that he is universally loved even in the media and this story is just one reminder of why.
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