Duncan Ferguson has said the hardman reputation he built during his playing career has hampered his chances of landing management roles. The former Everton striker, now head coach of NIFL Premiership club Glentoran, claims he was close to taking charge of Championship side Middlesbrough in 2022 before Michael Carrick changed his mind and accepted the job.
Near miss at Middlesbrough
Ferguson, 54, spent the last 12 years of his playing career in the Premier League, including 10 years at Goodison Park across two spells. He had interim stints in charge of Everton in 2019 and 2022, and has since managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle before joining Glentoran.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ferguson said he believed he was set for the Middlesbrough role after Carrick initially turned it down. He said: "A couple of years ago, I should have had the Middlesbrough job. Michael Carrick had said he didn't want it. I had smashed the interview; the two boys who interviewed me told they wanted to give it to me but they had to speak to [owner] Steve Gibson."
He added: "I thought I had a right chance of getting it. A couple of days drifted by, then the sporting director phones. 'We've got bad news.' Carrick had changed his mind and he went back to Gibson and said he wanted the job. So they went with him."
Reputation and red cards
The former Scotland international, who received nine red cards during his playing days, suggested his on-pitch image may have counted against him. He said: "I can't get away from that. That was just how I played football. But I'm not like that off the pitch, unless you are breaking into my house! Other than that, I've been all right! I have been in Liverpool since I was 22 and if you are a wrong 'un, you'll get found out."
He added: "Maybe they can't see past it."
Return to management
Ferguson started his Glentoran tenure last month with a 1-1 draw away to Coleraine. He admitted the role is "costing a lot" but said he could not stay away from management any longer.
He explained: "I've given up a lot to come here, but it's a great chance. This is a great club and they've got great people. And when you are on the touchline? It's like what Big Sam says: 'A win's a win.' If you get three points, no matter what the level, on a Saturday, you feel great. If you lose, you feel like s***."
He added: "I love working. When you are out of football, a day becomes like a month, you know what I mean? You're used to working every day. You're sitting around at home, a week feels like a year, so you get itchy."
