Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell reacts to timing of key Everton exit for Duncan Ferguson
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
It is the “perfect time” for Duncan Ferguson’s Everton exit amid a year of change, according to former teammate Kevin Campbell.
It was announced on Monday (4 July) that the 50-year-old was leaving Goodison to pursue his ambition to be a full-time manager, after close to a decade on the first-team coaching staff and two spells as interim Toffees boss.
He told EvertonTV that it was a “massive decision” but after thinking about it for six months he needed to make the next step, and Sky Sports pundit Campbell feels that with Frank Lampard now firmly established following his January arrival it is the right time for Ferguson to do so.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News he said: “Look, I think Dunc’s proven his loyalty to the club. He’s proven just how much the club means to him.
“He’s been there or there abouts with many managers. Any time the club have needed him he’s been there.
“Obviously he wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s got blue blood. All of the above.
“Me personally, I wish him all the best in everything he chooses to do.
“But I think the regime change obviously made him assess where he is.
“And look, the fact of the matter is, Frank Lampard’s come in. He’s a young manager, he’s got a good staff around him.
“Maybe Dunc’s thinking to himself, ‘Well, this crossroads is the time where I’ve got to start stepping up. I want to be that manager as well.’
“I think he’s just made a decision that if he’s going to make the move, this is the perfect time.
It was a surprise to some that the Scot stayed with the club to join Lampard’s coaching team this year considering he had been overlooked for the top job for a second time after stepping in as interim.
That showed his commitment to the Toffees during one of the most difficult seasons in their recent history, but it clearly put the question into his mind.
With Premier League survival secured and the former Chelsea midfielder safely embedded Big Dunc’s job is done in terms of helping with the transition, he surely moves on with the blessing of Toffees fans everywhere.
And as takeover talk rumbles on the entire Everton regime he worked under for so long could soon be replaced anyway.