Everton legend Duncan Ferguson 'has a very good relationship with players' at Goodison Park and could galvanise the squad if he is appointed as Frank Lampard's successor, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Toffees are searching for their next manager after Lampard was sacked, with the Merseyside outfit in the Premier League's relegation zone, on Monday.
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Everton manager news - Duncan Ferguson
According to Football Insider, Ferguson is a strong contender to move into the Everton hot seat and the club are looking to make an appointment ahead of their next fixture on February 4.
The report suggests Lampard's fate was sealed when the Toffees suffered a 2-0 defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham United on Saturday, just 24 hours after a boardroom meeting was held over his future.
It is understood that Ferguson is interested in taking on the top job and willing to be added to the shortlist of candidates the Everton hierarchy will consider.
The 51-year-old left his assistant role at Goodison Park last July as he looked to pursue a career in management, but he has not been handed an opportunity yet.
Respected journalist Pete O'Rourke recently told GiveMeSport that Ferguson would be a 'hugely popular' choice to replace Lampard at the Everton helm.
What has Dean Jones said about Ferguson?
Jones believes that Ferguson offers different managerial qualities to the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo, who is also among the names linked with the Everton job.
The journalist feels the Scotsman already knows members of the Toffees' squad well, having been on the backroom staff recently, but he may not be a long-term option.
When asked about the possibility of Ferguson or Nuno succeeding Lampard, Jones told GiveMeSport: "I think they're very different.
"I think that Duncan Ferguson would, obviously, bring a spark in the sense of the pride it takes to play for Everton.
"We've seen him do it before. I don't think he would be the long-term solution and he hasn't been gone that long, but he has a very good relationship with players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin."
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Would Ferguson be a good appointment for Everton?
Ferguson is revered as an Everton legend after scoring 67 goals in 260 appearances for the club during his playing career, according to Transfermarkt.
He also helped the Toffees to win the FA Cup in 1995, which remains the last piece of silverware clinched by the Merseyside outfit.
But Ferguson has incredibly limited experience on the touchline having only taken charge of five matches as Everton's caretaker manager, across two separate spells.
Handing the former striker the reins would be a huge risk, particularly considering the position the Toffees find themselves in.
Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have found the back of the net less frequently than Everton in the Premier League this season and owner Farhad Moshiri should look to appoint a manager with plenty of experience if he wants the club to fend off relegation to the Championship.
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