FERGUSON, Riccardo (1975)

Overview

The holder of the record number of appearances for the club in its long history. He made his debut when he was eighteen years old, as the player who was expected to be first choice, Peter McBain, was injured, and Rikki was given his chance. This was not long after being signed from Bellfield Youth Club in Kilmarnock.

He was chosen to play for the Scotland Under 21 side against England at Sheffield on 27th April 1977. Before 8934 fans the Scots lost 1-0. This was followed by his inclusion in the Scottish squad which took part in a European Under 21 Tournament in which Hungary, Portugal and France were in Scotland’s section. He was Accies net minder at Douglas Park in May 1984 when the Reserve League Cup was won with a victory over two legs against Dundee United.

From 1974 until 1986 he missed only thirty six League games for Accies. During the next two years he was in and out of the side and went on loan to Morton and Partick Thistle, for one game each, before he was freed in 1988 and moved to Queen of the South. Not the best fielder of a dead ball, but he more than made up for it by his agility and positioning.

To mark his 500th appearance for Accies, a special presentation was made to him in April 1986. On leaving the game he was back in Ayrshire, employed as a postman. He was guest of honour at the match versus Partick Thistle at New Douglas Park on 16th September 2006 and he was presented with a Quaich by the Supporters Trust to mark his record appearances for the club.

Born in Kilmarnock on 8th August 1956.

Debut on 29th July 1975 in a Friendly Match at home to Sunderland which Accies lost 3-0.

Scottish League 452 Appearances (Club Record) (126 Clean Sheets)

Scottish Cup 18 Appearances (4 Clean Sheets)

League Cup 57 Appearances (20 Clean Sheets)

Spring Cup 10 Appearances (1 Clean Sheet)