Former Everton interim manager Ferguson named Forest Green head coach

(Reuters)-Former Everton player and caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson has been appointed Forest Green Rovers head coach, the League One (Tier 3) club said on Thursday, ending speculation linking him to the takeover of the troubled Premier League club.

Ferguson has been an assistant to several Everton managers and twice the caretaker boss of the Merseyside club. Ferguson is one of the names of the top job at Goodison Park after Frank Lampard was sacked earlier this week.

"I'm really happy to be in FGR, the next step in my career, and I plan to stay here for a while," said Ferguson, 51, who has played for Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle United.

Wanderers, recognized by FIFA as "the greenest football club in the world", finished bottom with 21 points from 28 matches. They were promoted to League One last year.

Ferguson added: "In order to maintain the first position in the league, we need to fight some battles. I am ready for the challenge."

This job is the first full-time management position for the former Scotland striker. He replaces Ian Burchnall, who was sacked on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nassik, India; edited by Ken Ferris)