Finally former Everton forward, has returned back to management.

Duncan Ferguson, a former Everton forward, has returned to management.

Duncan Ferguson has returned to management as the new manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The former Everton midfielder has been unemployed since leaving Forest Green Rovers following their relegation to Sky Bet League Two in the summer. The Scot won only one of the 18 games he oversaw at The New Lawn Stadium.

He joins the Scottish Championship side at the bottom of the table, with only one point from their first six games. Ferguson, who takes over for the dismissed Billy Dodds, has signed a three-year deal at Caledonian Stadium.

Caley Thistle director of football John Robertson was in caretaker charge for his side’s first game without Dodds at the weekend, when they lost 1-0 to Dundee United. Explaining their decision to appoint Ferguson, a club statement revealed the 51-year-old was the ‘standout candidate’ after an ‘extensive recruitment process The statement reads: “The club is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan Ferguson as the new manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club.

“The Everton legend joins us on a three-year deal following an extensive recruitment process which involved some truly excellent candidates.

“Duncan has worked alongside some of the most respected and outstanding football coaches in the world in recent seasons and we are proud to have him join ICTFC as our new manager. His professionalism, commitment and dynamic leadership skills shone through in our discussions, making him the stand out candidate.

“Everyone at the club is looking forward to supporting Duncan as the hard work starts now and we hope every Caley Jag will now get right behind him and the team in what we are sure will be a thrilling journey.”

Ferguson resigned his coaching position at Everton last year to pursue managerial ambitions. He also worked in the backroom staff for a number of managers at Goodison Park, including two stints as caretaker manager after Rafa Benitez was fired midway through the 2021/22 season.

The Scot’s decision to leave the club terminated a long association stretching back to his signing from Rangers in 1994. He went on to score 73 goals in 273 games during two periods.