“We are here to work and we are here to win.”
To most they are just 11 simple words, but for Evertonians hearing those words on Tuesday evening it was like music to their ears.
That is because they are the words Duncan Ferguson could be heard barking at Everton’s players as he put them through their paces during a training session.
Eventually, after taking what felt like an eternity, Everton did the right thing and appointed Ferguson as caretaker manager following Rafa Benitez’s departure on Sunday.
Ferguson will be in charge for what the club described as 'upcoming games' starting with Aston Villa’s visit to Goodison Park this weekend.
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The Scot, who was in temporary charge of the club following Marco Silva’s exit back in December 2019, will be supported in the role by Leighton Baines, John Ebbrell and Alan Kelly.
Clearly Everton hoped to bring Roberto Martinez back to the club on an interim short-term basis, but when that door closed, the Blues turned to a pair of Goodison icons.
There are many questions that can be asked about the Blues’ pursuit of Martinez, the main one essentially being "why?".
Why were the Everton hierarchy so desperate to bring back a manager who has already failed at the club and has done nothing to write home about since his exit six years ago?
There is no doubt that the move must have left a sour taste in the mouth of Ferguson, too, who would have at least been hoping to be given the chance to lead the team on a temporary basis.
Now he has that chance in part thanks to the Royal Belgium FA blocking any potential Everton move for Martinez.
But not only does Ferguson have the chance to do what he probably wanted to do, but for the first time in a long time, Evertonians have been given what they want from the club’s hierarchy.
Taking a look on social media in the hours that followed Benitez’s sacking, it was clear to see that the majority of supporters wanted Ferguson to take over on an interim basis.
Many still have fond memories of Ferguson’s first game in temporary charge back in December 2019 against Chelsea.
Goodison Park was back to its fortress best that day and it was no surprise that the atmosphere inside the Old Lady managed to help the Blues to a 3-1 win.
When Duncan Ferguson talks about Everton people listen.
Regardless of who the Scot is addressing, the passion in his voice when he speaks about the Blues means people have no option but to listen to what he has to say.
And on that Saturday afternoon back in December 2019, Ferguson restored a communion with the crowd, too.
Evertonians have long had to put up with picking up the pieces of Farhad's Moshiri's disastrous calls as Everton owner, but for once he has done the right thing.
A true Blue in the dugout this weekend assisted by another true Blue, who everyone has nothing but love and respect for.
How well Ferguson will do obviously remains to be seen, but one thing that is for certain is that Goodison Park will be absolutely rocking on Saturday.
Everton as a club are at their best when they are united and not divided, which is why Moshiri must use Ferguson's appointment as the starting point to a brighter future and prove he's learnt from his previous mistakes.
