New Forest Green boss Duncan Ferguson insists he is up for the challenge of keeping Rovers in League One.
Ferguson,51, has signed a long-term contract with Rovers, as he takes on his first role in senior football management.
Ferguson had been assistant manager to Frank Lampard until he left the club last July, having previously had two spells as caretaker boss. After the sacking of Lampard, Ferguson was linked with the vacancy at Goodison Park.
Former Everton team-mate Tony Grant will work alongside Ferguson as assistant head coach.
Ferguson said: We have a bit of a fight on our hands to stay up in League One and I am ready for the challenge.”
Ferguson began his career in football in 1990. Playing for Rangers, Everton and Newcastle. He also played for the Scottish national side seven times. Ferguson left Everton at the end of last season after a long coaching career with the team. Which also saw him as caretaker manager on two occasions.
Ferguson added: “I’m really delighted to join FGR for the next step of my career, and I plan to be here for a while.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club too. Their world leading green creds are seriously impressive. I want to thank Dale for bringing me in – I’m looking forward to getting started.”
FGR chairman Dale Vince believes Ferguson can help steer Rovers towards the Championship: “We’re all excited to welcome Duncan, he is someone I have admired from a far for a while. It’s just fantastic to have the opportunity to work with him in this next phase of our journey toward the Championship.”
The League One club are currently bottom of the table and parted company with Ian Burchnall on Wednesday after the 1-0 defeat at Bolton on Tuesday.
Rovers have brought eight new faces in during the January transfer window and Ferguson will be given scope to add to that number before the window slams shut on Tuesday.
Ferguson is expected to take charge of Rovers for the trip to Steve Cotterill’s Shrewsbury on Saturday.
