Everton legend Duncan Ferguson leaves position as first-team coach to pursue managerial ambitions as he admits: 'I need to take that next step in my career'

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Duncan Ferguson has ended an association with Everton that goes back 28 years to pursue his managerial ambitions.

The Scot had been deliberating over what path to take since the end of the season and the club announced on Monday night that he had decided to leave.

Ferguson joined Everton initially on loan from Rangers in October 1994 and had two spells at the club as a player, split briefly by a stint at Newcastle, before retiring in 2006.

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has left his position as the club's first-team coach 

He was brought back to the club by David Moyes five years later to work towards gaining his coaching badges and ended up serving alongside Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, as well as having two spells as a caretaker boss.

Sunderland and Blackburn have considered Ferguson as a potential manager in the last six months.

Ferguson has taken caretaker charge of Everton twice during his time at the club

Frank Lampard's coaching team at Everton includes Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Joe Edwards

Ferguson said: ‘It’s a massive decision for me, an incredibly difficult one, but I need to take that next step in my career.

‘The club have been fantastic with me. The relationship we’ve had over the years has been special.’