In 1994 Ferguson's notorious head-butting of Raith Rovers' John McStay landed him a three-month prison sentence which he would later serve as an Everton player. On top of his prison sentence, in 1997 the Scottish FA handed him a 12-month ban from appearing for Scotland. Ferguson, always a figure of controversy, duly refused to feature for his country again having made just seven appearances. The SFA looked on regretfully as he went on to thrive at Everton, having made his switch from Rangers in 1994.
Ferguson made an £8m move to Newcastle in 1998, but returned to Everton for less than half that price two years later after an injury-plagued spell on Tyneside. He has scored more goals than any other Scottish player in the Premier League, and won the FA Cup in his first spell at Goodison Park. The gentle giant retired in 2006, and despite numerous disciplinary misdemeanors, he is regarded as a hero by the blue half of Merseyside.