FERGUSON, Derek (2003)

Overview

Derek joined Rangers in 1983 from Gartcosh United, having been with Roystar Boys Club and Burnbank Boys Club previously. He soon established himself as a regular in the Ibrox midfield for a number of seasons. Then in 1989-90 he went on loan to Dundee before a permanent move to Heart of Midlothian in 1990. He had three good years at Tynecastle and then signed for Sunderland before returning to Scotland in 1995 and was signed by Falkirk.

In July 1998 he then joined Dunfermline Athletic following his spell with Falkirk. From East End Park Derek then crossed the Irish Sea with Portadown. His next club was Partick Thistle before a much longer journey took him to Australia where he had links with Adelaide Force. Ross County next used his experience as they sought to establish themselves as a force in the League. The opportunity of management came in January 2001 when he opted for the role of Player/Manager with the ill fated Clydebank side.

His roving continued when Alloa Athletic became his latest employers in 2002 and it was from the Recreation Park club that he was signed for Accies by Allan Maitland in 2003. His first season was beset by injury and though he appeared more often the second term he didn’t manage to produce the kind of form expected. On being released in 2005 he was taken to Stark’s Park by Gordon Dalziel.

Following surgery on his knee in November 2005 he decided in February 2006 that he would retire whereupon he was appointed as Assistant Manager to Jim Chapman with Albion Rovers. Later that year he went to Stranraer with Gerry Britton in a similar role. When Gerry moved on to Partick Thistle, Derek took over as boss. Derek left Stranraer at the close of the 2009 season and joined the Coaching staff at Glenafton in New Cumnock where Gordon Dalziel was in charge. When Gordon retired as Manager, Derek took over for the 2009-10 season. He later was a reporter for Radio Scotland. In October 2010 he was appointed Assistant Manager at Dumbarton, a week later, in November, he resigned the post.

Derek was capped by Scotland as a substitute on two occasions in 1988 while with Rangers. His other honours were a Youth and Under 21 cap. Also a Scottish Premier League winner in 1987 and 1989 at Ibrox. While attending Earnock High he received 8 Scotland Schoolboy caps between 1982 and 1983.

Born in Glasgow on 31st July 1967.

Debut on 2nd August 2003 in a League Challenge Cup at home to St Johnstone which was lost 3-2 after extra time. He came on as a substitute.

Scottish League 19 Appearances 2 Subs

Scottish Cup 2 Appearances

League Cup 1 Appearance