Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has been dismissed as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with the club in turmoil following its descent into administration.
The financial crisis has left the Highland side fighting for survival, with Ferguson and two of his coaches becoming the first casualties.
Despite working for free, Ferguson confirmed to BBC Scotland that he had been let go, with further announcements regarding players and staff expected on Thursday.
Administrators BDO have assured fans they are striving to “secure the long-term future” of the club as it battles to stay afloat.
Ferguson expressed his dismay at the situation, telling BBC Scotland: “I’ve always been against administration.”
Reflecting on his departure, the 52-year-old said: “I’ve done the very best I can for my club and for my players. I’ve always tried to support my players behind the scenes and they all know that. And that’s the most important thing for me.”
The Scotsman admitted that the ordeal had been tough but said he valued his time with the club.
“The process of administration is brutal,” he remarked, “but I’ve enjoyed being here. I think the club can stay in the division if they hold onto their players. If not, it’s going to be a tough ask.”
Inverness’s situation has been made even more precarious with a 15-point deduction following their entry into administration.
This leaves them bottom of the League One table on minus three points, and regardless of their fate this season, they will begin the next campaign with a further five-point deduction. Relegation looms large unless the club can muster a rapid turnaround.
Ferguson’s career has been marked by highs and lows. He first joined Everton in 1994, setting a club transfer record after a loan spell from Rangers.
Across two stints with the Toffees, he scored 72 goals in 273 appearances, featuring as a substitute in Everton’s 1995 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United – the club’s last major trophy.
After retiring as a player, Ferguson returned to Everton’s coaching staff under David Moyes, rising through the ranks to become assistant manager. He also took charge as caretaker boss on two occasions, in December 2019 and January 2022.
His first senior managerial position came at Forest Green Rovers, but his tenure ended in relegation from League One and dismissal in July 2023. A similar fate followed at Inverness, with the club suffering relegation after a play-off defeat to Hamilton Academical.
Alasdair Fraser, a sports reporter from the Highlands, recently disclosed: “I’m reliably told Duncan Ferguson has been paying players’ petrol and other basic costs himself for months now.”