Former Everton and Newcastle United forward Duncan Ferguson has chosen to kick off his managerial career at basement-dwelling Forest Green Rovers having left his beloved Toffees last year ahead of the appointment of the now-sacked Frank Lampard. Ferguson had been fleetingly linked with a return to the Everton dug-out as Lampard’s successor but will instead get going at third tier level in Gloucestershire. The 51-year-old was a legendary hard man in his playing days and has long since been looking for a route into management having carried out the role of caretaker manager at Goodison Park previously. Forest Green parted company with Ian Burchnall on Wednesday after a start to the campaign that sees them bottom of the division. Sheffield Wednesday are set to make the trip to the New Lawn Stadium on March 25. On his appointment, Ferguson said: “I’m really delighted to join FGR for the next step of my career, and I plan to be here for a while. We have a bit of a fight on our hands to stay up in League One and I am ready for the challenge. “I am grateful for the opportunity to come and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club too. Their world leading green creds are seriously impressive. I want to thank Dale [Chairman Dale Vince] for bringing me in - I’m looking forward to getting started!” READ MORE: Predicted Sheffield Wednesday XI v Fleetwood Town: Four changes with lesser-spotted new man thrown in Injury status of popular Sheffield Wednesday man put beyond doubt in wake of training photos Cheltenham Town aim cheeky barb at Sheffield Wednesday fans after reaction to midweek postponement