Damien Delaney exclusive on the rise of Evan Ferguson
Former Crystal Palace defender & Irish International Damien Delaney believes Evan Ferguson could make a big move this Summer despite signing a new five-year contract with Brighton in April 2023. Delaney has been impressed by the rising star and believes he will be on the radar of all the big clubs this Summer. “I know he signed a new contract, I think people will be still looking at him this Summer”. Ferguson made 19 appearances in 2022/2023 Premier League which included impressing against some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. “He was so impressive, he looked so comfortable playing in the Premier League and his career will go as far as Evan Ferguson wants it to go”.
Ferguson has come a long way since he made his debut with Bohemians as a 14 year old and signed for English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2021. Ferguson made his third Premier League appearance against Arsenal in December 2022 were he came on to score his first ever goal in England’s top division. Ferguson scored a couple of crucial goals in the second half of the season against Everton and Leicester as Brighton achieved their highest ever finish in the Premier League. Ferguson ended up with a tally of six goals in the 2022/2023 Premier League which was excellent for an 18 year old.
Ferguson made his Republic of Ireland debut for the senior squad in a friendly against Norway in November 2022 and is included in Stephen Kenny’s squad for UEFA European Championship qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar. “You have to beat Gibraltar and worst case scenario get a draw out in Greece”. Kenny will be without the experience of Seamus Coleman for these two games and Delaney believes that Ireland need to win both games in June. “You would have to be looking at six points if we are looking at finishing third in this group”. Ireland’s biggest problem is scoring goals and Ferguson can hopefully be the solution.
Delaney had a successful League of Ireland career with Cork City and gives his opinions on how his old side is doing this season. “They certainly seem to be moving in the right direction after having a difficult start to the season”. Cork got a couple of great wins in the League of Ireland this season against Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers but are now second bottom in the table after losing their last game at home to Dundalk. “Liam Buckley has come in and done a fantastic job”.
Delaney continues to be a big supporter of the League of Ireland and is happy that games are shown on both RTE & Virgin Media on a regular basis. “Absolutely I’m always hopeful without the TV deals as the League of Ireland has a fantastic following but we just need to broaden that horizon by getting more people involved”. League of Ireland has benefited from Brexit as Irish players have to wait until they turn 18 before they can travel to England to play football. “The level of players that are coming into League of Ireland is improving every time and I’m always hopeful for the League of Ireland with or without the TV deals”.
Delaney spent time at Leicester while playing football in England and looks back on Brendan Rodgers experience as manager of Leicester which included winning the FA Cup in 2021. “I understand why they got rid of him because they wanted to try stay in the Premier League”. “Leicester were relegated to the Championship on the final day of 2022/2023 Premier League season “I don’t think they would of stayed in the Premier League with Brendan Rodgers in charge as that team has been struggling for a long time”.
Delaney is a big follower of the English Premier League with been a pundit and gives his opinion on the current saga of The Glazers trying to sell Manchester United to either Sheikh Jassim or Jim Ratcliffe. “I think the club needs to be sold as it’s dragging on a little bit now”. 41,000 people in Ireland are supporters of Manchester United but 2022/2023 season was an improvement as they finished third in the Premier League and won the League Cup. “Ten Hag will probably have two windows lined up in terms of if the transfer goes through or not”. Manchester United have spent £1.18 billion in the last 10 years on signings but some of the signings were ridiculous especially throwing loads of money on players like Paul Pogba or Romelu Lukaku to join as they are desperate to close the gap on their neighbours Manchester City. “Manchester United need to clear the decks first then the recruitment needs to be changed”.
It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with former Ireland International and Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney to chat all things football and I wish him all the best in his career as a pundit on both Virgin Media & Premier Sport.