Nigel Pearson

[Daggers]

What seems an age ago we were all squabbling over who ought not to be the manager, then a lot of us got bored. Eventually we were given a new bloke, a serious bloke - worse, a bloke who didn't seem to wave his shoes in the air. Hellfire and damnation! Thread link

For a shedload of people he wasn't John Gregory and that was good enough - while others seem to be concerned with his total lack of Premiership and European Cup success.

We've seen his summer signings, we've seen his pre-season knockabout and now we've sat/stood/stood then been told to sit through enough matches to have an idea of how he is playing the game.

I watched his post-match interview on World this morning and I have to say that he is a man who inspires confidence, an intelligent manager who appreciates a good game but understands and is working towards the primary goal of promotion.

I think I am almost at the point of saying that if he continues as he has started I could bloody love no-nonsense Nigel Pearson...and yet I'm hardly hearing a thing said about him in pubs, at the games or on here.

Mad Martin was having his name chanted from the off last season, being feted as our big new hope - while Holloway basked in Godlike status at matches, being the focal point of the few songs sung through the tail-end of the season.

Pearson has brought with him a mindset, a credible managerial style and inspired a work ethic in the squad that we haven't seen since I came back from South America. He believes in attacking football and castigated the team for holding back after going ahead yesterday - all good stuff. All of it delivered with quiet confidence and humility; no jokes, no nonsense.

Tranmere, one round of "Nigel, give us a wave" and then one "Nigel Pearson's Blue & White Army!" and that was it.

I think he's done more than enough so far to deserve better.

Good on ya' Nigel!

[Jonbluefox9]

That's been the problem with some of the past managers though (Allen and Holloway in particular). It's been more about them than the football itself. They drew unnecessary attention to themselves by coming out with statements that were not needed. Now we have a manager who doesn't crave the limelight and he's quietly going about his business, only speaking when he's asked a question and ensuring that he thinks before he speaks. I'm glad that he's not grabbing the attention of the supporters yet because it means there's now something happening on the pitch worth singing about instead.

I take your point though. He deserves to be getting a bit more credit although I'm sure he'd say himself that he's not achieved anything yet. That seems like the kind of man he is.

[Nugent]

I agree

[Fez of Mahrez]

Seen the thread on Bentleys Roof saying he's off to Sheffield Wednesday for talks? Bloody Cov fans on the windup obviously.

I've been impressed with Pearson so far but will judge him properly later in the season. Decent little start.

[davieG]

He's on his way to Wednesday

http://fansonline.net/leicestercity/mb/view.php?id=54597

I'm happy with my statement

Bearing in mind the state of LCFC our tarnished reputation our vacilating Chairman, our string of failed and eccentric managers I'm happy to settle for a decent season with a man in charge who it's claimed has dignity and integrity something our club is clearly lacking.

Let's hope that some of that rubs off on Mandaric and LCFC because I would like to see us gain a little self respect even at the expense of promotion.

Yes I really would.

[Bryn]

I've noticed this too. During preseason the hoohah was all about Gradel, Fryatt, the players mainly. All the responsibility was aimed at Milan. Pearson has just quietly gone about his business. Right from when he was hired, it was almost like as soon as he was hired he was no longer newsworthy. But perhaps that's a good thing, he probably wants to keep it that way for now.

Either way, I have good feelings about his reign.

[Chairman of the Bored]

I've just written to the bloke via Snail Mail telling him well done thus far, keep up the good work and you will assume God like status (eventually). Early days admittedly but agree with Daggers' analysis entirely.

Love that last 10 mins on the touchline yesterday with what looked like a healthy combination of get your arses into gear, positive encouragement and berating that willy puller of a linesman.

Don't think he'd go to Wednesday (just yet). Too much of a poisoned chalice in recent years and I think he will take the chance to build a decent reputation with us, bearing in mind it is his first "proper job".

Nigel we love you, we do.

[Salieri]

Couldnt agree more about NP deserving more credit than he's got so far. I think the problem is we've had so many false dawns and "messiahs" come and go since the heady days of MON that we almost daren't get too optimistic. Its easier and more predictable to expect either for things to get worse or for him to continue to do well only to be poached by another club!

I've watched all of his post match conferences and have been extremely impressed with the way he has conducted himself. He almost comes across as being negative but is basically fully aware that theres a hell of a way to go despite the decent start. He'd rather criticise minor details than champion the positives which is vital to stop any complaceny creeping in.

We all know theres gonna be the odd dodgy result/performance and its how we react to it thats paramount and Nige comes across as the type who will not suffer fools. He's not interested in being popular, just in getting the results needed to get us back in the championship.

Long may it continue!

[Lovejoy]

Good post Daggers .

NP I expect will have no problem though with the lack of attention, as he can focus on the squad without outside interference (Mandaric aside ).

[Kilworthfox]

What seems an age ago we were all squabbling over who ought not to be the manager, then a lot of us got bored. Eventually we were given a new bloke, a serious bloke - worse, a bloke who didn't seem to wave his shoes in the air. Hellfire and damnation! Thread link

For a shedload of people he wasn't John Gregory and that was good enough - while others seem to be concerned with his total lack of Premiership and European Cup success.

We've seen his summer signings, we've seen his pre-season knockabout and now we've sat/stood/stood then been told to sit through enough matches to have an idea of how he is playing the game.

I watched his post-match interview on World this morning and I have to say that he is a man who inspires confidence, an intelligent manager who appreciates a good game but understands and is working towards the primary goal of promotion.

I think I am almost at the point of saying that if he continues as he has started I could bloody love no-nonsense Nigel Pearson...and yet I'm hardly hearing a thing said about him in pubs, at the games or on here.

Mad Martin was having his name chanted from the off last season, being feted as our big new hope - while Holloway basked in Godlike status at matches, being the focal point of the few songs sung through the tail-end of the season.

Pearson has brought with him a mindset, a credible managerial style and inspired a work ethic in the squad that we haven't seen since I came back from South America. He believes in attacking football and castigated the team for holding back after going ahead yesterday - all good stuff. All of it delivered with quiet confidence and humility; no jokes, no nonsense.

Tranmere, one round of "Nigel, give us a wave" and then one "Nigel Pearson's Blue & White Army!" and that was it.

I think he's done more than enough so far to deserve better.

Good on ya' Nigel!

Bloody hooligans I tell ya!

[Unabomber]

Fully agree, I'm sure after a few more wins the fans will see what a good job he is doing, and get behind him more.

[coale39]

I want Allen back!

[The Reverend]

Well said Dagger's.

[Thracian]

How much praise do you want for him Dags? Just say!

I chanced to see the club chaplain Bruce Nadin at the Academy game and wished him all the best for his new life in South Africa which starts next summer.

Some will know that Bruce loves his football, knows what makes a player and understands the game backwards and inside out and I'd say one of the most tangible things that can be said about Pearson was Bruce's expression of relief and undiluted optimism about the club under the new management yesterday.

He's "looking forward," he said, "to seeing the club promoted back to the Championship before he leaves for South Africa," and you could see h meant it. Indeed, it's not a comment he would have made lightly.

I think it's fair to say that, while there may be hiccups and mistakes made, Happy Days are here again at City. And it's so nice at long last to be able to mostly praise people. Not just the manager but the players generally including some, like Fryatt and Oakley who've not had the best of times at the club previously.

My sincere hope is that Pearson believes in himself and his team when the going gets tougher and doesn't get tempted to clam the side up. But if I had to mark the guy now for the job done so far I'd have to give him a perfect 10.

That's not to suggest for an instance that he's done nothing that I disagreed with. But it is totally unrealistic to expect every decision to have tallied with my beliefs or to have worked out perfectly. I never expect players to achieve perfection - it is their contribution to the game and effect that counts.

Well Pearson's contribution has been immense. He's been here less time than Holloway and done immeasurably better. He's not just signed some decent plyers, but he's got existing players giving their best and he's given the club and the supporters something to be proud of again.

I'll still say my piece when I disagree with him but that should not disguise my regard for the bloke and what he's done so far.

[Lillehamring]

How much praise do you want for him Dags? Just say!

I chanced to see the club chaplain Bruce Nadin at the Academy game and wished him all the best for his new life in South Africa which starts next summer.

Some will know that Bruce loves his football, knows what makes a player and understands the game backwards and inside out and I'd say one of the most tangible things that can be said about Pearson was Bruce's expression of relief and undiluted optimism about the club under the new management yesterday.

He's "looking forward," he said, "to seeing the club promoted back to the Championship before he leaves for South Africa," and you could see h meant it. Indeed, it's not a comment he would have made lightly.

I think it's fair to say that, while there may be hiccups and mistakes made, Happy Days are here again at City. And it's so nice at long last to be able to mostly praise people. Not just the manager but the players generally including some, like Fryatt and Oakley who've not had the best of times at the club previously.

My sincere hope is that Pearson believes in himself and his team when the going gets tougher and doesn't get tempted to clam the side up. But if I had to mark the guy now for the job done so far I'd have to give him a perfect 10.

That's not to suggest for an instance that he's done nothing that I disagreed with. But it is totally unrealistic to expect every decision to have tallied with my beliefs or to have worked out perfectly. I never expect players to achieve perfection - it is their contribution to the game and effect that counts.

Well Pearson's contribution has been immense. He's been here less time than Holloway and done immeasurably better. He's not just signed some decent plyers, but he's got existing players giving their best and he's given the club and the supporters something to be proud of again.

I'll still say my piece when I disagree with him but that should not disguise my regard for the bloke and what he's done so far.

which make the 2/10 you gave him for the first game seem even harsher....

anyway, what i was thinking about the other day, was he shortlisted for the job on any other occasion in the last two years?

[Flynny]

The lack of things said about him is the biggest compliment of all. Gets on with it, very sensible, doesn't make too many odd decisions (Dickov aside), seems not only to be able to understand our shortcomings, which Holloway was more than capable of articulating (probably what kept him the job) but is capable of sorting them out.

[Thracian]

which make the 2/10 you gave him for the first game seem even harsher....

anyway, what i was thinking about the other day, was he shortlisted for the job on any other occasion in the last two years?

I well recalled that mark when I wrote the above.

It conveyed my feelings and I don't regret it at all. I've hammered Fryatt on occasions and given him lousy marks too when I thought he deserved it.

But tomorrow's another day for everyone and while Pearson might have baffled me with some of the things he's done the bottom line not so much what he's done wrong as what he's done right and where we are now compared with when he arrived.

I'd doubt there's a single City fan who disagree that the club has leapt forward and in so many ways. :scarf:

[Koke]

The less said about him the better. Our previous regimes, Allen and Holloway in particular was complete media whores.

[Steven]

I'd doubt there's a single City fan who disagree that the club has leapt forward and in so many ways. :scarf:

I truly believe that there are some City fans who would moan at anything the players, manager or Club would do.

[Ultra]

I truly believe that there are some City fans who would moan at anything the players, manager or Club would do.

Why do you seem surprised by this?

There hasn't exactly been a shortage of things to moan about in recent times.

Pearson has made a reasonable start, but nothing more. Even in the darkest days of previous regimes, we would still have expected to beat Milton Keynes, Stockport and Tranmere.

The forthcoming trips to Cheltenham and Colchester will indicate whether we really are on the road to recovery, or if it turns out to be yet another false dawn.

Some of us recall the first weeks of Peter Turnip's time in charge. When we sat proudly at the top of the Premier League, nobody would hear a bad word about him. The fact that he had already started to tear the squad apart, driving out some of our better players, went largely un-noticed at the time.

More recently, Rob Kelly won his first three league games in charge (at a level higher than the one we're in) and some of the more exciteable sections of the fanbase started hailing him as the next MON. Suffice to say, they were wrong.

And of course, it took a very long time for MON to turn the team around. Pearson has already managed as many wins in the first three weeks as MON did in three months!

Initial impressions are not always the right ones. While I hope Pearson does turn out to be an inspired choice of manager, it's still too early to predict for sure that this will happen.

[Daggers]

Exactly, also im pretty sure he was ex-Southampton so he would have been abit more understandable for them. Ive not been the biggest fan of the Walsh idea but surely he would be a better choice then Pearson.

I know one thing - I thought the concept of Walsh for manager was a crap enough idea back then...how do you feel about Pearson now, Basingstoke Fox?

Aha...I see by your sig that he is no longer the worst thing since herpes!

[Corky]

I'm very pleased with the start he's made. Three home wins, and we haven't even reached September yet

I like the fact he wants us to play football, not just hoof it forward all the time. His signings have been very good so far, and although there is still room for improvement, we are winning when not playing to our best.

Keep it up Nige

[James.]

I think it's fair to say that, while there may be hiccups and mistakes made, Happy Days are here again at City. And it's so nice at long last to be able to mostly praise people. Not just the manager but the players generally including some, like Fryatt and Oakley who've not had the best of times at the club previously.

My sincere hope is that Pearson believes in himself and his team when the going gets tougher and doesn't get tempted to clam the side up. But if I had to mark the guy now for the job done so far I'd have to give him a perfect 10.

That's not to suggest for an instance that he's done nothing that I disagreed with. But it is totally unrealistic to expect every decision to have tallied with my beliefs or to have worked out perfectly. I never expect players to achieve perfection - it is their contribution to the game and effect that counts.

Well Pearson's contribution has been immense. He's been here less time than Holloway and done immeasurably better. He's not just signed some decent plyers, but he's got existing players giving their best and he's given the club and the supporters something to be proud of again.

I'll still say my piece when I disagree with him but that should not disguise my regard for the bloke and what he's done so far.

Pearson 2. What a disapointment. All close season I've wondered why he has such a lousy record while he signs such good players and selects such well balanced sides. Well now I know.

He's a 1-0 merchant. Yes I know we won 2-0 but that was because Gradel was irrespressible and conjured something out of nothing. Basically Pearson quit when we were 1-0 up and simply had us fall back behind the halfway line and defend. Even on the rare occasions we attacked second half we got one bloke in the box, that was all.

He may get us up from this shit division but unless he learns to have faith in his team and to push up when we get ahead he'll do sod all at a higher level.

Never once did I see him urging our team forward. He put two fingers up to the idea of entertaining the fans and finally presided over a 2-0 win that could have been five had we kept maintaining the pressure we exerted until we scored.

MK were awful. It took them 39 minutes to mount a serious attack yet we conceded ground in the second half and might even have donated them a goal when their guy was left unmarked on the penalty spot.

If Pearson wants to be a proper manager he'll need to have much more attitude than he showed yesterday.

After seeing Valerenga mention your mark of 2 for Pearson after the MK Dons game I couldn't resist digging out the offending post.

[Thracian]

Why do you seem surprised by this?

There hasn't exactly been a shortage of things to moan about in recent times.

Pearson has made a reasonable start, but nothing more. Even in the darkest days of previous regimes, we would still have expected to beat Milton Keynes, Stockport and Tranmere.

The forthcoming trips to Cheltenham and Colchester will indicate whether we really are on the road to recovery, or if it turns out to be yet another false dawn.

Some of us recall the first weeks of Peter Turnip's time in charge. When we sat proudly at the top of the Premier League, nobody would hear a bad word about him. The fact that he had already started to tear the squad apart, driving out some of our better players, went largely un-noticed at the time.

More recently, Rob Kelly won his first three league games in charge (at a level higher than the one we're in) and some of the more exciteable sections of the fanbase started hailing him as the next MON. Suffice to say, they were wrong.

And of course, it took a very long time for MON to turn the team around. Pearson has already managed as many wins in the first three weeks as MON did in three months!

Initial impressions are not always the right ones. While I hope Pearson does turn out to be an inspired choice of manager, it's still too early to predict for sure that this will happen.

I've not seen any signs of Pearson driving our best players out - in some ways I think we've kept one or two because of him.

In fact, as far as our main squad is concerned it is hard to see one player who doesn't justify his place nor has he left anyone out of contention (like Gradel, King and finally Sheehan last season) who should have been involved.

Wesolowski, Kishishev and DJ probably have most cause for complaint but they're all in the squad and I don't get the feeling Pearson doesn't rate them, more that it's hard for them to get in.

There's no contesting the truth of your conclusion - in the end most managers falter - but walk around the training ground and I don't think anyone would disagree with the view that the whole atmosphere of the place has changed quite dramatically for the better.

You might think it hafd to judge whether the new mood will be justified. But there's two big reasons I believe it. Firstly I've said t it will be very hard for any team to stop us scoring. From what I've already seen of opposition defences there's no way they'll keep out the likes of Gradel, Howard, Fryatt, Porter, Dyer, King and Adams very often.

Just as important our closing down is so fast and so unremitting it is equally hard to see opponents getting time and space to score very often. We haven't just won three games and drawn one. The opposition have hardly created a chance on their own.

And I see no reason why any of that should change drmatically.

[Corky]

I've not seen any signs of Pearson driving our best players out - in some ways I think we've kept one or two because of Howard.

In fact, as far as our main squad is concerned it is hard to see one player who doesn't justify his place nor has he left anyone out of contention (like Gradel, King and finally Sheehan last season) who should have been involved.

Wesolowski, Kishishev and DJ probably have most cause for complaint but they're all in the squad and I don't get the feeling Pearson doesn't rate them, more that it's hard for them to get in.

There's no contesting the truth of your conclusion - in the end most managers falter - but walk around the training ground and I don't think anyone would disagree with the view that the whole atmosphere of the place has changed quite dramatically for the better.

You might think it hafd to judge whether the new mood will be justified. But there's two big reasons I believe it. Firstly I've said t it will be very hard for any team to stop us scoring. From what I've already seen of opposition defences there's no way they'll keep out the likes of Gradel, Howard, Fryatt, Porter, Dyer, King and Adams very often.

Just as important our closing down is so fast and so unremitting it is equally hard to see opponents getting time and space to score very often. We haven't just won three games and drawn one. The opposition have hardly created a chance on their own.

And I see no reason why any of that should change drmatically.

Weso will get his chance, it's just that Oakley has started well and King is linking up well with him. Ditto with Kish, and as for Campbell, Fryatt has scored four and Howard two, and they look a very good front pairing.