Duncan Ferguson, a former assistant manager of Everton, has been named the new head coach of Forest Green Rovers.

The 51-year-old succeeds Ian Burchnall, who quit on Wednesday with the team in last place in League One, and is taking on his first full-time managerial position.

Ferguson, a former striker with the Toffees, made 273 appearances for them and served twice as their interim manager between 2019 and 2022.

The Gloucestershire team has a five-year contract with him.

Ferguson told the club website, “I intend to be here for a while.

We’re going to have to struggle a little to stay in League One, but I’m up for the task.

Tony Grant, a former Everton teammate, will serve as Ferguson’s assistant head coach.

Forest Green, who have played more games than their relegation rivals, are four points from safety and have won only five of their 28 games this year.

Their last victory came on December 10, and they have lost their last eight games.

In two stints between 1994 and 2006, Ferguson netted 73 goals for Everton as a player. He played for Rangers, Newcastle United, and Dundee United throughout his playing career. He also received seven Scotland caps.

In 2014, he joined Everton’s coaching staff. He left in the summer of 2017 to look for his first managerial role.

Dale Vince, the chairman of Forest Green, remarked, “We’re all pleased to welcome Duncan; he is someone I have respected from a distance for a time.”

It’s amazing to have the chance to collaborate with him as we move forward in our quest for the Championship.

Vince stated the club was seeking to hire someone with “experience” as soon as possible in order to bring in “a couple more” players during this January transfer window prior to the announcement of Ferguson’s appointment.