Ferguson is happy to be out of the spotlight for now but reflects with pride on how he galvanised the fans and the players

Duncan Ferguson is not normally the type to beg but, given the circumstances, the time felt right to break with tradition. The scene was Liverpool’s Panoramic 34 restaurant, looking down on the city centre, and those sitting contentedly around the table reserved in his name were contemplating extending the soiree. All, that is, except one.

The group from Everton was distinguished. There was Carlo Ancelotti, the club’s recently appointed manager, who had chosen the wine — Italian, naturally — and his daughter, Katia. They were flanked by his technical staff, including Ancelotti’s son, Davide, with their host making his pitch.

Ferguson, the club’s first-team coach, had proposed a visit to a nearby jazz bar, the Puffin’ Rooms, but Ancelotti was feigning fatigue.

“I pleaded with