Thanks Nigel

[foxaholic]

Agree with 90 per cent but the year of McLintoch was definately the oorst since ww11

I agree McLintoch was easily the worst manager since ww 11. After all some of the managers who failes here only failed at Leicester which means the club must take some responsibility Holloway Allen and Levein have been very successful elsewhere on small budgets McLintoch never managed again

[Guest Basildon Fox]

I agree McLintoch was easily the worst manager since ww 11. After all some of the managers who failes here only failed at Leicester which means the club must take some responsibility Holloway Allen and Levein have been very successful elsewhere on small budgets McLintoch never managed again

Is there any particular reason why you are quoting yourself then replying to yourself?

[leftsideoverhere]

The fairytale since Pearson took over has just got better and better this season.

And the switch to the 4-3-3 approach to the game for the last few weeks was inspired. Having had a system which worked it must have been tempting to stick with it, but as one or two people on here were pointing out, teams were beginning to have the measure of playing against us, and to be fair, our repeated inability to cope with teams who played the offside trap effectively against our 4-4-2 was getting annoying. But before it could detrimentally affect the season, and without the money to reach into the club's pocket for a new star player (pace Nobby Solano who now also looks an inspired bit of business) Pearson has managed to re-invigorate the side, despite us losing an iconic player in Matty Fryatt.

Compare his calm approach to covering the huge hole created by Fryatt's injury to two managers we've recently had the pleasure of seeing off. Cardiff's Dave Jones who has been moaning no end about injuries, and a certain lack of professionalism among his players, and then Paul Hart was all over the press after Tuesday night's red card for Claude Davis. I just can't imagine our manager losing his cool like that in front of the media, even if the entire playing staff were caught smoking dope in a nightclub the night before the playoff final. But, then, the other thing I can't imagine any more is Leicester players being stupid enough to pull a stunt like that - Nigel's influence over the whole club just seems to create a solid, totally committed and professional atmosphere. That said, I refute the allegation sometimes heard in the media that Nigel Pearson is "dour". That's not how he comes across to me - he's just got a much drier sense of humour than most of the people who interview him, who are, frankly, often lazy with the questions they ask. Just as with his players, somehow Nigel in interviews manages to give the impression that he expects you to try a bit harder.

No doubt the season will throw us a curve ball or two before the end of May, but can anyone seriously argue that Nigel Pearson hasn't been the best thing to happen to Leicester sport in a very long time? After several years of clinging on to our championship credentials by the skin of our bootlaces, I defy anyone to say that they didn't think Milan's "three years to the Premiership" propaganda was both utter fantasy and downright unhelpful. But thanks to NP, it is starting to look strangely prescient. I don't know if Milan is a football genius, or just damn lucky, this is now the second time he's brought a relatively unfancied manager to a relatively unfancied club and the combination has worked magic.

Ten games to go, and my Leicester City are fourth in the championship, heights we've not been able to dream of since that failed Premiership experiment in 2003. Despite that, for the first time in eight years, I now scan the results of the teams above us, instead of below us, and the prospect of an upcoming game fills me with excitement not dread. For all that, Nigel Pearson, sincere and grateful thanks.

[davieG]

I agree McLintoch was easily the worst manager since ww 11. After all some of the managers who failes here only failed at Leicester which means the club must take some responsibility Holloway Allen and Levein have been very successful elsewhere on small budgets McLintoch never managed again

It's hardly the core of the topic though and if you want to discuss it over and over perhaps a new topic along the lines of the worst season ever.

[jonthefox]

What are the current Win/Loss/Draw stats for Pearson? Does he still have a sub 10 loss record because that's phenominal tbf.

I can't believe how gutted I was when Pearson took over, I'm so glad I was proved wrong.

I`ll put my hand up to that as well.

Now i just think the mans a legend in the making.

[Legend_in_blue]

The one thing that needed changing was our predictability. Teams had seen through our 4-4-2 and playing that style made it all too easy to make the game a bore draw. The change to the 4-3-3 was a superb and very astute tactical change and NP deserves a lot of credit for sorting this out.

He has performed extremely well on a limited budget to get us where we are but I'm sure for all the thanks and gratification he's getting from people on here, and rightly so, he'd be the first to turn round and tell everyone the job isn't done. Just yet.

Everyone keep their feet on the ground and fingers crossed the team keeps plugging away at it, 'cos if it does the job will get done. No doubt about it.

[Fox You Forest]

The one thing that needed changing was our predictability. Teams had seen through our 4-4-2 and playing that style made it all too easy to make the game a bore draw. The change to the 4-3-3 was a superb and very astute tactical change and NP deserves a lot of credit for sorting this out.

Unbelievable.

[Salieri]

The fairytale since Pearson took over has just got better and better this season.

And the switch to the 4-3-3 approach to the game for the last few weeks was inspired. Having had a system which worked it must have been tempting to stick with it, but as one or two people on here were pointing out, teams were beginning to have the measure of playing against us, and to be fair, our repeated inability to cope with teams who played the offside trap effectively against our 4-4-2 was getting annoying. But before it could detrimentally affect the season, and without the money to reach into the club's pocket for a new star player (pace Nobby Solano who now also looks an inspired bit of business) Pearson has managed to re-invigorate the side, despite us losing an iconic player in Matty Fryatt.

Compare his calm approach to covering the huge hole created by Fryatt's injury to two managers we've recently had the pleasure of seeing off. Cardiff's Dave Jones who has been moaning no end about injuries, and a certain lack of professionalism among his players, and then Paul Hart was all over the press after Tuesday night's red card for Claude Davis. I just can't imagine our manager losing his cool like that in front of the media, even if the entire playing staff were caught smoking dope in a nightclub the night before the playoff final. But, then, the other thing I can't imagine any more is Leicester players being stupid enough to pull a stunt like that - Nigel's influence over the whole club just seems to create a solid, totally committed and professional atmosphere. That said, I refute the allegation sometimes heard in the media that Nigel Pearson is "dour". That's not how he comes across to me - he's just got a much drier sense of humour than most of the people who interview him, who are, frankly, often lazy with the questions they ask. Just as with his players, somehow Nigel in interviews manages to give the impression that he expects you to try a bit harder.

No doubt the season will throw us a curve ball or two before the end of May, but can anyone seriously argue that Nigel Pearson hasn't been the best thing to happen to Leicester sport in a very long time? After several years of clinging on to our championship credentials by the skin of our bootlaces, I defy anyone to say that they didn't think Milan's "three years to the Premiership" propaganda was both utter fantasy and downright unhelpful. But thanks to NP, it is starting to look strangely prescient. I don't know if Milan is a football genius, or just damn lucky, this is now the second time he's brought a relatively unfancied manager to a relatively unfancied club and the combination has worked magic.

Ten games to go, and my Leicester City are fourth in the championship, heights we've not been able to dream of since that failed Premiership experiment in 2003. Despite that, for the first time in eight years, I now scan the results of the teams above us, instead of below us, and the prospect of an upcoming game fills me with excitement not dread. For all that, Nigel Pearson, sincere and grateful thanks.

Great post, saved me a lot of writing!

[Ozwin]

leftsideoverhere for post of the year

[jimmer]

The fairytale since Pearson took over has just got better and better this season.

And the switch to the 4-3-3 approach to the game for the last few weeks was inspired. Having had a system which worked it must have been tempting to stick with it, but as one or two people on here were pointing out, teams were beginning to have the measure of playing against us, and to be fair, our repeated inability to cope with teams who played the offside trap effectively against our 4-4-2 was getting annoying. But before it could detrimentally affect the season, and without the money to reach into the club's pocket for a new star player (pace Nobby Solano who now also looks an inspired bit of business) Pearson has managed to re-invigorate the side, despite us losing an iconic player in Matty Fryatt.

Compare his calm approach to covering the huge hole created by Fryatt's injury to two managers we've recently had the pleasure of seeing off. Cardiff's Dave Jones who has been moaning no end about injuries, and a certain lack of professionalism among his players, and then Paul Hart was all over the press after Tuesday night's red card for Claude Davis. I just can't imagine our manager losing his cool like that in front of the media, even if the entire playing staff were caught smoking dope in a nightclub the night before the playoff final. But, then, the other thing I can't imagine any more is Leicester players being stupid enough to pull a stunt like that - Nigel's influence over the whole club just seems to create a solid, totally committed and professional atmosphere. That said, I refute the allegation sometimes heard in the media that Nigel Pearson is "dour". That's not how he comes across to me - he's just got a much drier sense of humour than most of the people who interview him, who are, frankly, often lazy with the questions they ask. Just as with his players, somehow Nigel in interviews manages to give the impression that he expects you to try a bit harder.

No doubt the season will throw us a curve ball or two before the end of May, but can anyone seriously argue that Nigel Pearson hasn't been the best thing to happen to Leicester sport in a very long time? After several years of clinging on to our championship credentials by the skin of our bootlaces, I defy anyone to say that they didn't think Milan's "three years to the Premiership" propaganda was both utter fantasy and downright unhelpful. But thanks to NP, it is starting to look strangely prescient. I don't know if Milan is a football genius, or just damn lucky, this is now the second time he's brought a relatively unfancied manager to a relatively unfancied club and the combination has worked magic.

Ten games to go, and my Leicester City are fourth in the championship, heights we've not been able to dream of since that failed Premiership experiment in 2003. Despite that, for the first time in eight years, I now scan the results of the teams above us, instead of below us, and the prospect of an upcoming game fills me with excitement not dread. For all that, Nigel Pearson, sincere and grateful thanks.

Well done, fantastic read and absolutely spot on

Nigel Pearson we salute you

[Prospero]

Well done, fantastic read and absolutely spot on

Nigel Pearson we salute you

I also agree with leftsideoverhere's post.

In my opinion the best managers like Nigel Pearson tend to be rather 'dour' and 'serious' rather than 'flamboyant' and 'talkative'; they keep their counsel and do not promote themselves at every opportunity in the media, as if they are bigger than the team or the club. Nor do they blame the players when they lose and complain in public about the lack of investment; they are prepared to improve those they have got and to buy shrewdly when the money allows.

Both Martin Allen and Ian Holloway talked too much and spent our money unwisely. It is a relief to have a manager who does not rant or gabble away. You cannot see Nigel Pearson writing a column for the Sunday Sport. He is more in the mould of Alec Ferguson (whatever you think of Man U he is a successful manager) in being 'down to earth' and not over talkative or jokey, rather than in the mould of a David O'Leary who never knew when to shut up or stop spending money (even if you are pleased, being partisan, at what he and Risdale accomplished in the end.)

Pearson does have some of the qualities of Martin O'Neill. Both are serious students of the game and do not waste their words. O'Neill has vastly more experience and enjoys analysing a game but he is not a natural pundit. Both nurture players and help them to improve. This knowledge of the players and what they can and cannot do is the basis of astute tactics on the field of play. Both are clearly able to motivate players and build a team ethos.

O'Neill is more animated during a match but one has to respect Pearson's calming and reassuring manner. He spends much of the match in his technical area. He is a presence at the side of the pitch. He might once have thrown a water bottle on the ground and stuck an arm out at a poor decision but he does not pace backwards and forwards frantically and scream as some managers do. The last thing he would do is to hold a half time talk on the pitch in public view. Nor would he publically announce that his team was not ready for the premiership. He goes about his job quietly and with decorum. He is a modest man.

I too clearly remember my feelings at the end of the last match of the 2008/09 season, after we had won 9 out of 32 games under Holloway and we knew we were relegated. Much as I really enjoyed the away trips in league one, we had to get back to the championship. And I thank Nigel Pearson for that.

I thank Nigel Pearson for the fact that I can go to the match on Saturday absolutely confident that we can win the game and make the play offs with a good chance of another promotion back to where we belong.

I

[jonthefox]

I also agree with leftsideoverhere's post.

In my opinion the best managers like Nigel Pearson tend to be rather 'dour' and 'serious' rather than 'flamboyant' and 'talkative'; they keep their counsel and do not promote themselves at every opportunity in the media, as if they are bigger than the team or the club. Nor do they blame the players when they lose and complain in public about the lack of investment; they are prepared to improve those they have got and to buy shrewdly when the money allows.

Both Martin Allen and Ian Holloway talked too much and spent our money unwisely. It is a relief to have a manager who does not rant or gabble away. You cannot see Nigel Pearson writing a column for the Sunday Sport. He is more in the mould of Alec Ferguson (whatever you think of Man U he is a successful manager) in being 'down to earth' and not over talkative or jokey, rather than in the mould of a David O'Leary who never knew when to shut up or stop spending money (even if you are pleased, being partisan, at what he and Risdale accomplished in the end.)

Pearson does have some of the qualities of Martin O'Neill. Both are serious students of the game and do not waste their words. O'Neill has vastly more experience and enjoys analysing a game but he is not a natural pundit. Both nurture players and help them to improve. This knowledge of the players and what they can and cannot do is the basis of astute tactics on the field of play. Both are clearly able to motivate players and build a team ethos.

O'Neill is more animated during a match but one has to respect Pearson's calming and reassuring manner. He spends much of the match in his technical area. He is a presence at the side of the pitch. He might once have thrown a water bottle on the ground and stuck an arm out at a poor decision but he does not pace backwards and forwards frantically and scream as some managers do. The last thing he would do is to hold a half time talk on the pitch in public view. Nor would he publically announce that his team was not ready for the premiership. He goes about his job quietly and with decorum. He is a modest man.

I too clearly remember my feelings at the end of the last match of the 2008/09 season, after we had won 9 out of 32 games under Holloway and we knew we were relegated. Much as I really enjoyed the away trips in league one, we had to get back to the championship. And I thank Nigel Pearson for that.

I thank Nigel Pearson for the fact that I can go to the match on Saturday absolutely confident that we can win the game and make the play offs with a good chance of another promotion back to where we belong.

I

another good post prospero, and welcome to foxestalk.

[leftsideoverhere]

I too clearly remember my feelings at the end of the last match of the 2008/09 season, after we had won 9 out of 32 games under Holloway and we knew we were relegated. Much as I really enjoyed the away trips in league one, we had to get back to the championship. And I thank Nigel Pearson for that.

I thank Nigel Pearson for the fact that I can go to the match on Saturday absolutely confident that we can win the game and make the play offs with a good chance of another promotion back to where we belong.

Top first post, mate.

[lcfcadam]

Sorry for being all sentimental but I like this sort of talk! Think leftsideoverhere and prospero's posts both pretty much put my thoughts into as many words as I would type if I wasn't a lazy bastard...

E I E I E I O!

[Salieri]

Since Nige took over it's almost a case of "when will the bubble burst"? Right through the promotion season of last year i was waiting for us to blow it because i suppose we'd got used to the bad times. Then into this season, even after our good start i thought we'd inevitabley slip down the table because it was almost too good to be true that after being relegated to League 1 just 2 years ago we would be now pushing for a place in the Prem.

Even now, i, finding it hard to comprehend that we are very close to being nailed on for a play off spot. Nige and his staff continue to raise my expectations from the nadir that they were at after the years of mediocrity we have had to suffer. I'm sick of banging on about "the good ol' years" under O'Neill and long for a new (and not false) dawn.

I want to thank NP for finally eradicating my natural scepticism. He's not a 'lucky' manager or a one season wonder, but a very promising, progressive manager who we are lucky to have representing our club.

Whether we go up or not this season, Nigel Pearson deserves utmost respect for the profound changes he has implemented in his so far brief tenure.

Hats off NIge.

[haraven]

Some top posts in this thread - I can only join the choir and sing along, full voice of LCFC pride!

I concur in the praise of Nigel Pearson. =)

[melrose]

Agree with 90 per cent but the year of McLintoch was definately the oorst since ww11

Glad i missed him and started my LC days under Jock!

[Mikey]

I also agree with leftsideoverhere's post.

In my opinion the best managers like Nigel Pearson tend to be rather 'dour' and 'serious' rather than 'flamboyant' and 'talkative'; they keep their counsel and do not promote themselves at every opportunity in the media, as if they are bigger than the team or the club. Nor do they blame the players when they lose and complain in public about the lack of investment; they are prepared to improve those they have got and to buy shrewdly when the money allows.

Both Martin Allen and Ian Holloway talked too much and spent our money unwisely. It is a relief to have a manager who does not rant or gabble away. You cannot see Nigel Pearson writing a column for the Sunday Sport. He is more in the mould of Alec Ferguson (whatever you think of Man U he is a successful manager) in being 'down to earth' and not over talkative or jokey, rather than in the mould of a David O'Leary who never knew when to shut up or stop spending money (even if you are pleased, being partisan, at what he and Risdale accomplished in the end.)

Pearson does have some of the qualities of Martin O'Neill. Both are serious students of the game and do not waste their words. O'Neill has vastly more experience and enjoys analysing a game but he is not a natural pundit. Both nurture players and help them to improve. This knowledge of the players and what they can and cannot do is the basis of astute tactics on the field of play. Both are clearly able to motivate players and build a team ethos.

O'Neill is more animated during a match but one has to respect Pearson's calming and reassuring manner. He spends much of the match in his technical area. He is a presence at the side of the pitch. He might once have thrown a water bottle on the ground and stuck an arm out at a poor decision but he does not pace backwards and forwards frantically and scream as some managers do. The last thing he would do is to hold a half time talk on the pitch in public view. Nor would he publically announce that his team was not ready for the premiership. He goes about his job quietly and with decorum. He is a modest man.

I too clearly remember my feelings at the end of the last match of the 2008/09 season, after we had won 9 out of 32 games under Holloway and we knew we were relegated. Much as I really enjoyed the away trips in league one, we had to get back to the championship. And I thank Nigel Pearson for that.

I thank Nigel Pearson for the fact that I can go to the match on Saturday absolutely confident that we can win the game and make the play offs with a good chance of another promotion back to where we belong.

Top first post mate, quality.

The main thing I'd like to thank NP for is the main things, bringing good results to Leicester City, and making them enjoyable to follow again.

Even the home games are enjoyable!

[dpjfox]

good post davie

in truth doesnt matter who the manager is or what the results are

We are Leicester fans we follow no matter what But its better when we are winning and future is rosy and when we are proud of our team

[Jon the Hat]

good post davie

in truth doesnt matter who the manager is or what the results are

We are Leicester fans we follow no matter what But its better when we are winning and future is rosy and when we are proud of our team

And you know what? I don't even care if we get promoted or not as long as there is the actual chance of it, as long as we are playing well enough to give ourselves a chance. That is enough after the last few years.

[The Doctor]

In my opinion the best managers like Nigel Pearson tend to be rather 'dour' and 'serious' rather than 'flamboyant' and 'talkative';

that's not always the case is it though. Look at Wenger, Mourinho and Eriksson - 3 of the most successful managers around - all of whom aren't what you'd call dour or serious.

[Rocky Dennis]

I also agree with leftsideoverhere's post.

In my opinion the best managers like Nigel Pearson tend to be rather 'dour' and 'serious' rather than 'flamboyant' and 'talkative'; they keep their counsel and do not promote themselves at every opportunity in the media, as if they are bigger than the team or the club. Nor do they blame the players when they lose and complain in public about the lack of investment; they are prepared to improve those they have got and to buy shrewdly when the money allows.

Both Martin Allen and Ian Holloway talked too much and spent our money unwisely. It is a relief to have a manager who does not rant or gabble away. You cannot see Nigel Pearson writing a column for the Sunday Sport. He is more in the mould of Alec Ferguson (whatever you think of Man U he is a successful manager) in being 'down to earth' and not over talkative or jokey, rather than in the mould of a David O'Leary who never knew when to shut up or stop spending money (even if you are pleased, being partisan, at what he and Risdale accomplished in the end.)

Pearson does have some of the qualities of Martin O'Neill. Both are serious students of the game and do not waste their words. O'Neill has vastly more experience and enjoys analysing a game but he is not a natural pundit. Both nurture players and help them to improve. This knowledge of the players and what they can and cannot do is the basis of astute tactics on the field of play. Both are clearly able to motivate players and build a team ethos.

O'Neill is more animated during a match but one has to respect Pearson's calming and reassuring manner. He spends much of the match in his technical area. He is a presence at the side of the pitch. He might once have thrown a water bottle on the ground and stuck an arm out at a poor decision but he does not pace backwards and forwards frantically and scream as some managers do. The last thing he would do is to hold a half time talk on the pitch in public view. Nor would he publically announce that his team was not ready for the premiership. He goes about his job quietly and with decorum. He is a modest man.

I too clearly remember my feelings at the end of the last match of the 2008/09 season, after we had won 9 out of 32 games under Holloway and we knew we were relegated. Much as I really enjoyed the away trips in league one, we had to get back to the championship. And I thank Nigel Pearson for that.

I thank Nigel Pearson for the fact that I can go to the match on Saturday absolutely confident that we can win the game and make the play offs with a good chance of another promotion back to where we belong.

I

U Sure????

Voted best pundit by BBC viewers at World Cup 98 if I remember correctly!

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/worldcup06/2006/06/11/should_martin_oneill_go_postal.html

[Aeropars]

Lets not forget though, that anything he touches does not turn to gold. I fully apreciate what he's done for this club ant also fully beleive that milan is a football genius. We dont get a job by proving ability, its just a sales pitch. Same goes for football managers which is why we have been through so many of them under milans reign. Only nigel has shown he has the talent.

Saying that, there has been a couple of poor signings (robbie neilson and ajaravic) so hes not godlike in my eyes just yet. He's not far off though and i think we have milan to thank just as much. God knows where we would be without him.

[Craig]

Lets not forget though, that anything he touches does not turn to gold. I fully apreciate what he's done for this club ant also fully beleive that milan is a football genius. We dont get a job by proving ability, its just a sales pitch. Same goes for football managers which is why we have been through so many of them under milans reign. Only nigel has shown he has the talent.

Saying that, there has been a couple of poor signings (robbie neilson and ajaravic) so hes not godlike in my eyes just yet. He's not far off though and i think we have milan to thank just as much. God knows where we would be without him.

I honestly think our recent success is more down to Lee Hoos than Milan Mandaric. Look at the managerial appointments and decisions prior to Hoos joining. Look at them after him joining, there's only been one. And that one has made us Premiership contenders.

Edit - That's not to say Milan hasn't helped us though...

[shen]

that's not always the case is it though. Look at Wenger, Mourinho and Eriksson - 3 of the most successful managers around - all of whom aren't what you'd call dour or serious.

Surely Eriksson is the epitomy of dour!

Saying that, there has been a couple of poor signings (robbie neilson and ajaravic) so hes not godlike in my eyes just yet. He's not far off though and i think we have milan to thank just as much. God knows where we would be without him.

To be fair to Pearson, both Neilson and Ajdarevic were free signings, with the latter being of minimal risk since he's young and won't be on big wages. Neilson's pedigree justified a punt given his contractual situation and career stage. Even if he is no more than a squad player at the moment, he will not have been an expensive gamble. Dickov was probably a flop, but I'd reserve judgement on most of his other signings

I honestly think our recent success is more down to Lee Hoos than Milan Mandaric. Look at the managerial appointments and decisions prior to Hoos joining. Look at them after him joining, there's only been one. And that one has made us Premiership contenders.

Edit - That's not to say Milan hasn't helped us though...

Who hired Lee Hoos? Exactly!