Recruited from Barnsley for £3 million in 2013, Stones also heeds the advice of Ferguson, a man who bullied a few centre-halves in his time. “He doesn’t bully me, thank God! Dunc is such a presence. When he speaks you really listen. He’s got some great words – especially before the game, things to get you in the mood: 'Know who you are playing for’, the value of the shirt you’re putting on. He’s been there and done it. I think he’s missing playing. He sees what we’ve got in that dressing room and he wants us to succeed. He wants us to have pride in that Everton shirt. I wouldn’t want to come up against Dunc that’s for sure. He was some player – some brute. I try to stay away from him!”