In Search of Duncan Ferguson: The Life and Crimes of a Footballing Enigma

Duncan Ferguson came to prominence at an early age, making his international debut for Scotland at 20. A tall, lean striker with the world at his feet, Ferguson seemed destined to develop into one of Scotland’s most successful exports but anger, and a number of injuries, arguably hampered his progress. Ferguson has scored the most goals of any Scot in the Premiership, but he also shares the record of eight Premiership red cards with Patrick Vieira. This figure is one greater than the caps he earned for Scotland, despite having made such an impact on his debut. In 1994, he became the first professional soccer player to be jailed for an offense committed on the pitch. It earned him a three-month stretch in Glasgow’s infamous Barlinnie Prison, of which he served 44 days. Understandably bruised by the experience, he walked away from the Scotland international team and blanked the media from then on. Featuring contributions from numerous top players, this explosive biography uncovers the real Duncan Ferguson. The author delves into Ferguson’s personal and professional life and reveals that there is more to the man than the media portrayal of him as a Scottish hard man.