If you've got nowt better to do go to the Toffee Web discussion forum and wind up the scousers on the Dunc transfer.

http://members.boardhost.com/evertonboard/

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

Answers

Interestingly enough, they say according to the Mirror, a deal was struck last night and he will be unveiled today.

Go YBR go, make that defence work.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

Report on the "Megastar" (?) site this morning:

DUNCAN FERGUSON's #3.75m return to Everton was rescued last night from the brink of collapse over his demand for a #1m payoff from Newcastle.

He is now expected at Goodison today for a medical which holds the key to an emotional homecoming for the injury-plagued Scot.
Ferguson had agreed personal terms with his former club, accepting a pay cut of around #5,000 per week. But the former Rangers man, who has made a fortune out of several high-profile, high-priced transfers, insisted he is entitled to a pay-off on the remaining two years of his Newcastle contract, as he has not asked to be sold.

That threw a huge question mark over the deal when Newcastle flatly refused to pay Ferguson to go, insisting privately that they have not had value for the #8m they invested in him 20 months ago.

They say they are selling him for less than half price to smooth his Goodison return, so why should they have to give him a #1m 'golden goodbye' on top of a #4m loss on the transfer.

Newcastle chairman Freddie Fletcher was said to be refusing even to discuss a pay-off with Ferguson's financial advisers, with some senior officials of the club angry over what they privately claimed was another example of player greed.

Dennis Roache, Ferguson's agent and the man who negotiated his #1m pay-off when Everton sold the striker to Newcastle, admitted earlier in the day: "The deal has virtually collapsed and basically I don't think there will be any agreement. We can't settle with Newcastle at this time and I think Duncan will be staying with them. Everton are as fed up as we are at waiting and we assume he will now remain at St James' Park, which is disappointing for Everton and for myself because a lot of work has gone into this. But it's Newcastle's decision and it's up to them. The ball is in their court."

Last night however Everton sources were confident that a financial compromise had been reach, although whether that meant Newcastle had relented--or Everton themselves had 'topped up' their own signing-on fee to the player--was not immediately clear.

I sincerely hope FS has not softened his stance and agreed to pay even a penny pay-off to the greedy sod.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

It would appear to us outsiders that the Board and Bobby have taken a tough stance on money received for players this close season. Again from an outsiders point of view YBR and the board and the Chairman especially seem to be working towards the same goal, which has to be good for the club.

If Everton want the player then they should pay up, simple as that. It's not as if they aren't doing well out of this deal is it?

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

I can't believe we are letting him go at such a loss, especially after the way Bobby insisted on getting a decent wedge for the likes of Ketsy.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

Paul Robinson 1.5 mill Duncan Ferguson 3.75-1 mill pay off(?)= 2.75 mill.

Bliddy hell folks he's not that bad a player.....

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000