Carlo Ancelotti has lifted the lid on Duncan Ferguson's role in the new coaching set-up at Everton.
Ferguson was installed as caretaker boss following the sacking of Marco Silva in December until Ancelotti was appointed just before Christmas.
The Italian was impressed with Big Dunc's stint in charge and named him as one of his assistants, alongside the Italian's son Davide.
And Ancelotti, who has been looking at buying a house in Formby or Crosby, says Ferguson plays an active role in training, tactics and preparing the squad for games.
"We talk about football," he said.
"He has his own ideas, he has a lot of charisma in front of the players, he helps me to prepare the training, to do some individual sessions with some players, with the strikers and so he’s a good help. He understands the philosophy of the club."
"The title for me is not important," Ancelotti added.
"He’s a man who is important, he works with us, he works in my staff. I ask him and together we decide a lot of things; how we have to train, the style of training, what kind of session we are going to do, it’s a good experience also for me to know the thoughts of other people who are working with me and for me."
Ferguson has not been scared of voicing his opinion to the new manager, either, with Ancelotti declaring: "He’s not shy!
"He’s really clear when he speaks, he’s a really humble guy. We have a good feeling. We talk a lot about football, what’s going on, about players. I think it’s a good experience also for me, not just for him. He has knowledge of football of course."
Ancelotti is understood to have been staying at the Titanic Hotel since arriving at Everton but is actively looking for a home to buy.
"I’m not telling you the place," he said with a smile.
"I would like to live close to Liverpool, I saw some houses in Formby, in Crosby.
"It’s a nice place close to the beach, I like to live close to the beach."
