Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....


JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW UPDATE

Winger Dwight McNeil is reportedly unhappy with Duncan Ferguson as the manager has refused an offer from Bristol City. Ferguson is keen to keep the winger as he is a key element to his plans.

With 2 weeks still to go in the window, Bolton cannot afford to lose a player of this calibre. ​
 
FERGUSON: WE HAVE FIGHTING SPIRIT

reading result.webp

After the F.A. Cup Third Round exit at the hands of Millwall, it was back to Championship action at home against Reading. Bolton undeservedly went behind early to Marcus Tavernier's header from Duncan Watmore's cross but striker Joao Pedro hit back with an assist from Rafael Mir who played it to Pedro with his back to goal, turned, had a look and took an optimistic shot which bobbled past Randolph. Greg Docherty put Bolton in the lead 9 minutes later when he found himself in space outside the penalty box beating Randolph from range for a second time. Bolton couldn't make it to half-time holding the lead after Baker rolled one in from outside the box, Amos not seeing it until late to react. The second half had few clear chances and it was Greg Docherty in the center of the park providing the energy for a well deserved Bolton draw. Jason Lowe went off injured in the first half but it didn't look too serious.

Preston result.webp

Second home game in succession for Ferguson's men and it was the visitors Preston North End who occupied 2nd place in the table. Bolton found themselves deservedly 3-0 down after 34 minutes with Preston dominating the first half. Joao Pedro snatched one back before the half time whistle but an impressive performance from Jacob Murphy was the talk of the first half. Bolton came out with encouragement from their supporters and looked a much better side playing with a more attacking style. 20 minutes to go and a long ball forward from Bellusci found Pedro on the back of the last defender, beating him to the ball and using his strength to keep him off, Pedro moved forward and smashed his shot inches wide of the far post. Unlucky from Pedro. Dwight McNeil found Mampala with a low cross into the box, the centre forward applying the finishing touch to make it 3-2, Bolton on the verge of an amazing comeback. Thierno Ballo got his debut for Bolton and looked lively at times playing behind the two forwards. Bolton unable to create any last opportunities to grab a draw.

DF: The second half was pleasing and we came up against one of the better teams in the league. Preston have been great this season and we almost pegged it back. It was disappointing to go behind by 3 goals like we did but I'm pleased with the second half performance. We showed fight and I expect that in each and every game. We aim to stay in this division this season and keep progressing. This is a long term project.

(Fergsuon on the sacking of Harry Kewell) I employed him at Fylde, there was no way he was ready to be the manager but David gave him the chance. Joey (Barton) found it tough and now Harry, I just hope the board and the fans understand now how hard it was for me to manage Fylde in League Two. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 28 GAMES

league table after 28.webp​
 

AFC FYLDE NEW MANAGER PRESS CONFERENCE

Duncan Fergusnon is joined by chairman David Haythornthwaite for the press conference.

David, you've decided to appoint a former manager of the club, a manager you dismissed 12 months ago. Why did you decide to bring him back?

DH: I look at the success Duncan brought to this club and he made magnificent history securing promotion into League Two. I think if anyone is going to bring further success, it is him.

How did the conversation go? You both didn't leave on great terms last time.

DH: I met with Duncan and his representatives not too long ago and we cleared the air. Mistakes were made in the past and at the time Duncan had every right to feel aggrieved by my decision.

What did he say to you this time round to convince you of hiring him?

DH: It's not really so much what he said, he understands this club and is passionate about this club. We both share the same passion and ambition for Fylde. Why would I hire somebody completely new when there was a candidate staring me in the face who knows the club and knows how to get this club performing?

Duncan, you left Bolton who were looking in pretty good shape and had some amazing future prospects. Was it a difficult decision?

DF: It was a very difficult decision. Bolton have a fantastic squad that I'm sure if nurtured the right way they can be climbing the Championship table and competing at the right end. I had great talent at my disposal there and I wish them all the very best for the future. I think they will get it right eventually.

Is this not a backward step for you? Surely this could be career suicide if it doesn't work out?

DF: I've come down a few divisions aye but we can get this team back into the football league and that is our aim over the course of the next two seasons.

But Duncan, surely now, there aren't going to be any Premiership clubs coming in for you?

DF: I have no interest in that, I wasn't at Bolton using them to find a way into the Premiership, I was there to take them forward. I could have went anywhere when my contract was up but I chose to come down to a club that I fell for back in my first year of management. This club should not be where they are right now.

Are you exciting to be stepping out at Mill Farm this coming Saturday?

Of course. It's a big occasion and I believe the fixture is almost sold out. I want to get 3 points on Saturday, that would be a fantastic beginning.

David, just quickly back to you, if things don't go as planned are you willing to give Ferguson the time to fix it. He never got that last time here.

DH: Duncan is the right man for this job and I have every faith he will deliver. The rift between us is over and I hope myself and Duncan can have a close working relationship, just like we used to.

Duncan, good luck at Mill Farm once again, I'm sure the playets and fans will be happy you are back.

DF: Thank you, the results are what is important at the moment and we have to change that.

​
 

The Penalty Box Dancer said:
AFC FYLDE NEW MANAGER PRESS CONFERENCE

Duncan Fergusnon is joined by chairman David Haythornthwaite for the press conference.

David, you've decided to appoint a former manager of the club, a manager you dismissed 12 months ago. Why did you decide to bring him back?

DH: I look at the success Duncan brought to this club and he made magnificent history securing promotion into League Two. I think if anyone is going to bring further success, it is him.

How did the conversation go? You both didn't leave on great terms last time.

DH: I met with Duncan and his representatives not too long ago and we cleared the air. Mistakes were made in the past and at the time Duncan had every right to feel aggrieved by my decision.

What did he say to you this time round to convince you of hiring him?

DH: It's not really so much what he said, he understands this club and is passionate about this club. We both share the same passion and ambition for Fylde. Why would I hire somebody completely new when there was a candidate staring me in the face who knows the club and knows how to get this club performing?

Duncan, you left Bolton who were looking in pretty good shape and had some amazing future prospects. Was it a difficult decision?

DF: It was a very difficult decision. Bolton have a fantastic squad that I'm sure if nurtured the right way they can be climbing the Championship table and competing at the right end. I had great talent at my disposal there and I wish them all the very best for the future. I think they will get it right eventually.

Is this not a backward step for you? Surely this could be career suicide if it doesn't work out?

DF: I've come down a few divisions aye but we can get this team back into the football league and that is our aim over the course of the next two seasons.

But Duncan, surely now, there aren't going to be any Premiership clubs coming in for you?

DF: I have no interest in that, I wasn't at Bolton using them to find a way into the Premiership, I was there to take them forward. I could have went anywhere when my contract was up but I chose to come down to a club that I fell for back in my first year of management. This club should not be where they are right now.

Are you exciting to be stepping out at Mill Farm this coming Saturday?

Of course. It's a big occasion and I believe the fixture is almost sold out. I want to get 3 points on Saturday, that would be a fantastic beginning.

David, just quickly back to you, if things don't go as planned are you willing to give Ferguson the time to fix it. He never got that last time here.

DH: Duncan is the right man for this job and I have every faith he will deliver. The rift between us is over and I hope myself and Duncan can have a close working relationship, just like we used to.

Duncan, good luck at Mill Farm once again, I'm sure the playets and fans will be happy you are back.

DF: Thank you, the results are what is important at the moment and we have to change that.

​
Click to expand...
How are Bolton getting on mate?
 
maccavennie said:
ffs I've just bought a static caravan in Bolton and now you've moved back to Fylde.

Why wasn't I consulted in this? No chance I can go back as Tracy has got all her brothers their since I bummed Tracy's mum

FFS
Click to expand...
Word on the street is that bumming Tracy’s mum is a not a too dissimilar experience from throwing a Sayer’s sausage roll down County road.
Are you able to clarify?
 
JimmyJeffers said:
Word on the street is that bumming Tracy’s mum is a not a too dissimilar experience from throwing a Sayer’s sausage roll down County road.
Are you able to clarify?
Click to expand...

I can neither confirm or deny Jimmy, I'm barred from Sayers so have never had one of their sausage rolls.

Ive got a nice little thing going on with Greggs though, Julie (Frank's sister) comes out the back every Wednesday with a tray of uncooked pasties that I sell to Mary and her mates at the old people's home. Give em a good deal like and in return they give me a bit of money and let me use their OAP bus passes when needed
 

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