Duncan Ferguson to get preseason testimonial with Villarreal

Everton are to honour Club legend Duncan Ferguson with a testimonial at Goodison Park this summer.

The Blues will take on Spanish giants Villarreal on Sunday 2 August (kick off 3pm) in a match that will recognise the Scot's 10 years of service as a player and ongoing contribution as a first-team coach.

Few men have captured the hearts of Evertonians in the Premier League era quite like Ferguson, an irrepressible forward and lionhearted leader whose majestic talents were equalled by his passion and determination to win.

In total, Ferguson played 273 times for the Toffees over two spells, scoring 72 goals, and regularly proved the scourge of both Manchester United and Liverpool to raise the esteem in which fans held him only higher.

He returned to the Club as a youth coach five years ago and was promoted to Roberto Martinez's first-team staff in February 2014.

Villarreal, who finished sixth in La Liga last term, were the opponents for Everton's infamous Champions League qualifier in 2004/05 when Ferguson saw what appeared to be a fair goal controversially ruled out by Italian referee Pierluigi Collina. The effort could have sent the tie to extra-time but instead Everton bowed out of the competition and Ferguson retired from playing at the end of the same season, netting in the last minute of his final appearance to earn a 2-2 draw at home against West Bromwich Albion.

Ferguson was recently awarded the Chairman's 'Bloodblood' trophy at Everton's End of Season Awards night in recognition of his dedication and achievements, with that honour now set to be followed with a momentous event at Goodison Park.

The match will be Everton's final pre-season fixture of 2015 and the only one played at home. Tickets for the clash will be priced at £20 for adults and £10 for Under-16s and Over-65s and will go on sale from 8am on Monday 29 June.

"It's humbling to think that the Club think of me so highly," said Ferguson, a 1995 FA Cup winner, on learning of his testimonial. "I love this football club, I love being here every day and I cannot wait to see the fans at Goodison Park on 2 August."

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright added: "From the moment Duncan agreed, I felt there was one European club in particular the fans would love to see us take on again. Everton loves Duncan Ferguson and Duncan Ferguson loves Everton. I have said before that he is one of the biggest ever Evertonians not to be born on Merseyside."