In the late 1970s, Coventry City boasted one of the most balanced strike partnerships in English football. While Ian Wallace provided the speed and scurry, Mick Ferguson provided the brute strength and aerial dominance. Known as the “Large” to Wallace’s “Little,” Ferguson was the classic target man who thrived on the service from Tommy Hutchison.
A product of the Coventry City youth system, Ferguson broke into the first team in 1975. Standing over 6ft tall, he was a nightmare for defenders to mark, particularly from crosses. His unselfish play and ability to hold up the ball allowed the team to flourish in the top flight. Below is the statistical record of his time at Highfield Road.
Key Player Vitals & Data
| Metric | Detail |
| Position | Centre-Forward |
| Coventry Career Tenure | 1975 – 1981 |
| Total Competitive Appearances | 141 |
| Total Goals | 51 |
| League Goals | 44 |
| Origin | Coventry City Academy |
| Sold To | Everton (£280k) |
| Best Season | 1977-78 (17 League Goals) |
Little and Large
Ferguson’s career is inextricably linked with Ian Wallace. The duo scored 40 league goals between them in the 1977-78 season, firing Coventry to a top-seven finish. The dynamic was simple but devastating: Ferguson would win the header or occupy the centre-backs, creating space for Wallace to run into.
The Aerial Threat
With Tommy Hutchison on the wing delivering pinpoint crosses, Ferguson was in his element. He was widely regarded as one of the best headers of the ball in the First Division. His goal return of roughly one in every three games was impressive, given his role often involved battling physically with the era’s toughest defenders.
The Big Money Move
His form attracted attention from across the league. In 1981, Everton paid £280,000 for his services—a significant fee at the time. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his time at Goodison Park and subsequent spells at Birmingham City, meaning fans arguably saw the very best of him in a Sky Blue shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Mick Ferguson’s strike partner? Mick Ferguson played alongside Ian Wallace. They were affectionately known as “Little and Large” due to their height difference (Ferguson was 6ft+, Wallace was 5ft 6in) and telepathic understanding on the pitch.
Did Mick Ferguson come through the academy? Yes, Mick Ferguson was a homegrown talent. He progressed through the Coventry City youth ranks before making his senior debut in 1975.
How many goals did Mick Ferguson score for Coventry? He scored 51 goals in 141 competitive appearances. His most prolific campaign was the 1977-78 season, where he netted 17 league goals.
Where did Mick Ferguson go after Coventry? He was sold to Everton in 1981. He later played for Birmingham City and briefly returned to Coventry on loan, but injuries limited his impact in the latter stages of his career.
