What constitutes a legend?
Trophies? Records? Trophies and records combined? What about teams who have never won a trophy? Can they have no club legends?
It has never been that simple.
Duncan Ferguson signed for Everton 3 times. He was part of the last team to win a trophy. And also the only team weve had reach the Champions League, when we were cheated out of it, but we all know that story. He spent 18 years of his life here. From loan Player, to Club Record signing. From Talisman, to Captain. From youth coach to 1st team coach. And of course, Manager.
He was, for many, 1 of few shining lights in 1 of the most tumultuous times in our history. Growing up in the 90's, he gave me and many others hope and pride. He scored goals home and away against Liverpool and Man United and put fear into the hearts of many he encountered. At his best he was unplayable, scoring some of the best, and most importantly, memorable goals ive ever seen.
Did other people outshine him? A few, yes. Kanchelskis was brilliant, but was gone before we knew it. Similarly Speed. Campbell out scored him, helped save us from relegation, and eventually partnered him in his return, and he will always be loved as well, especially for 1 particular goal in 99. Rooney shouldve been the 1, but again, was gone in the blink of an eye. Tim Cahill had a similar Presence to Dunc, and a similar hold over the RS. He is probably the only other person who comes near to Duncan as a hero to anyone growing up in that time period. And what of all the others? Arteta? Yakubu? Lukaku? Richarlison? James? All great players who have worn the shirt and given us something special at different times, but none with the overall impact, longevity, and what it all boils down to, the memories that we take away.
Did he have his problems? Of course. Did he contribute as much as he could have? Thanks to injury problems, off the field issues and the almost persistent turmoil around the club during his tenure, perhaps not. He has said himself that he wishes he couldve done more, and he obviously has regrets.
But, for the memories, the achievements (he won more trophies than Hickson, Latchford, Lineker and many others combined), the stories, and most importantly, the connection he made with the club and the fans, he is in mind definitely a legend.