Saturday, January 28, 2023

The Chronicles of Big Dunc: Episode Two

When we last looked in on Duncan Ferguson, the Scottish footballing legend turned coach was straightening out the academic application of a young Evertonian. With upheaval at his long-time club has come opportunity for Big Dunc in the form of his very first opportunity to manage an EFL side.

Ferguson was announced last week as the manager of Forest Green Rovers, currently scuffling in last place in League One, the third level in the English professional pyramid. Rovers have been around since 1889, but only entered the top four divisions in 2017. The more interesting part of their story has little to do with football and much more with their ecological bonafides. Green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince bought the club in 2010 and set about transforming it. In 2018 Forest Green became the first club in the world to be recognized by the United Nations as a carbon-neutral enterprise. Prior to that, in 2015, Vince decreed that the club would go vegan - all players and staff would eat vegan meals in training, and all concessions at the club's New Lawn ground would be vegan, as well.

This element of the club's story made for good, clean, awkward fun during the announcement of Big Dunc's appointment:

Big Dunc took to the sidelines for Rovers for the first time this afternoon at Shrewsbury Town. His side took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute through Jamaican national Jordan Garrick. In a perfect script, Forest Green would've held on, and they did, until second-half extra time, when they conceded twice to ruin the fairytale.

On to Peterborough. Up the Green. Up Vegan Big Dunc!

22 comments:

Marls said...

Pain is correct. FOGTB event in full force.

rob said...

the very same fogg you were asking about, danimal

Whitney said...

You know, when you see Philly fans do the chant where they shout out E-A-G-L-E-S, I have to concede that you can see a real sense of very strong pride in a number of them that they have finally mastered how to spell it.

rob said...

we got to meet (and potentially corrupt) smokey joe's sons - top lads. they were a bit gobsmacked by fogger's obx b&e story.

zman said...

Speaking of Scottish stuff, turns out Hurricane Bawbag was a real thing. I thought Irvine Welsh invented it.

We need more Big Dunc around here.

Whitney said...

X-games are on. Wasn’t aware they still existed.

Mark said...

Wife and I are back from a quick weekend getaway to Decatur, GA. Random place but I'd highly recommend a day or two there if you're ever nearby. Tons of great restaurants and bars, one of the better beer bars in America (Brick Store Pub) and all within walking distance of the hotels in downtown.

Whitney said...

Josh Johnson… XFL and the Washington football team on his resume. This game appears to be over.

Danimal said...

McCaffrey says nuh-huh

Mark said...

I chose to get up for an early flight this morning so I could be home for the championship games and have a full reset (laundry, dinner, etc). My wife was a bit annoyed that we woke up at 8 am. Our friends we traveled with are delayed and still waiting in Atlanta. I’m on my couch. I win.

Danimal said...

This game sucks. Refs on the payroll are they not?

Whitney said...

Yeah. Lots of whistle swallowing in Philly. But it was done when Purdy left.

Whitney said...

Refs just piling on now. Ridiculous.

Whitney said...

Anyway, this game has been trash since early 1st quarter. Here’s hoping for a better one after this.

rob said...

we're all team afc in the super bowl, no?

Mark said...

Kyle Brandt killed that intro. What a great Goodfellas homage.

Whitney said...

Good to see the officiating in this game is as clueless as the last one. Yikes.

Whitney said...

Bonehead play of the postseason right there. Hard to fathom.

rob said...

lenny and laverne are sad today, as shirley's gone to join squiggy in the big schimazel in the sky

Whitney said...

Cindy Williams?? Oh, what a bummer. Shirley Feeney was an all-timer.

Whitney said...

Something that makes me feel old: I vividly remember 40 years ago this evening, where I was and with whom as we watched in glee as Riggo shoved Don McNeal to the turf and cruised 43 yards for the clinching score in Super Bowl XVII. One of my favorite sports spectating moments ever.

rootsminer said...

That’s the first Super Bowl I remember.