Duncan Ferguson will lead out Everton as caretaker manager against Chelsea this afternoon. Writing in today's matchday programme, the Blues Giant explains why he will be "the proudest man on the planet" come kick-off - and outlines his affection for an Evertonian support he knows he and this team can count on... 

Good afternoon.

Welcome to Goodison for our match against Chelsea.

This is a day for all of us Evertonians to unite in one enormous effort to produce the result we want and create a platform to drive our Club forwards.

I did not hesitate when asked to lead the team in today’s match. The circumstances are difficult, of course, and on behalf of everyone at the Club, I want to thank Marco for all the hard work he invested in trying to bring success to Everton.

Marco is a good man and we respect the effort he put in for the Club.

It remains a source of immense pride that I played 273 times for Everton and captained the team. There is nothing on this earth which felt as good as scoring a goal for this club.

I understand the depth of feeling you all have for Everton and I share every ounce of that passion.

For those reasons, I absolutely believe there is no greater privilege in the world than managing Everton Football Club. It is also a position which bears huge responsibility. First to you, the supporters who live and breathe Everton, then to all those people working every day in pursuit of the best for this club.

To the history of Everton and everyone who contributed to making this club’s name one of the most renowned on the planet.

I make no secret of my affection for Goodison Park. When Evertonians have their blood up, encouraging the team and claiming every decision, it is the greatest place in the world to play your football.

I swear I’ve been on the pitch and felt this place shake, sat in the dugout and experienced the same sensation.

I tell players about Goodison when they come here but still they are blown away by the intensity of your support, by how much you care, when we’re all pulling in the same direction.

Scores of my former opponents have told me they hated coming to Goodison and felt it was a cauldron.

This ground creates a special vibe, a sense of defiance, determination and togetherness.

There is no hiding from the fact it’s been a difficult week and anyone who cares about Everton was hurting after Wednesday night.

This is an immediate opportunity to start the healing process, to lift the mood and confidence heading into a busy and important period.

We welcome Frank Lampard, his staff and players and the fans of Chelsea.

I played against Frank on a number of occasions. He was a wonderful footballer and fierce competitor, he was fearless and didn’t give you an inch.

We need to get all the basic principles spot on, do all the things you expect from an Everton team.

Everything I expect from an Everton team.

That means tackling, scrapping, running, showing for the ball and always looking for ways to help your teammate next to you. We want to show the fans what it means to play for Everton.

We have quality performers in our dressing room. These are top internationals who have every right to believe they should be competing on even terms with anybody.

If we can bring that ability to the surface and marry it to a proper Goodison Park atmosphere, then this will be one of the toughest days of Chelsea’s season.

I am the proudest man on the planet managing Everton today. We will give everything to ensure you are talking about our Club in similar terms tonight.

Finally, today’s match is our designated Rainbow Laces fixture. We unequivocally support the tireless and admirable efforts of Stonewall and our Club campaign All Together Now to eradicate any form of discrimination from both society and the sport we all love.

Duncan Ferguson