On Balance

[Edmund]

Less questionable decisions than most of our previous managers, but stil not without his fvck ups - Cardiff first round still boggles me

Don't forget a day or so before the game there was dressing room row over politics.

[MPH]

As pissed off as i am that he looks to be jumping ship, it would be very hard to argue that he hasn't left us in a far better position than we were when he took over.

Getting out of League One at the 1st attempt was a decent achievement, particularly given the squad that he inherited, coupled with the ingrained 'losing mentality' that was rife within the club.

He then followed up with a more than creditable second season, taking us to the brink of the Premier League. All this achieved without spending much money at all. Yes, he relied heavily on loan players, but that is more the fault of Mandaric than his own in that there was never much money available.

His 'permanent' signings were undoubtedly a bit hit and miss, but the acquisition of players such as Weale and Hobbs in particular will stand us in good stead. If a player exodus doesn't follow, then i think we are left with the nucleus of a good side, one which can be built upon if the right manager is appointed as his successor.

Agree.

I have booed, called Judas, and criticised every previous manager of my lifetime who has ju8mped ship. Oniell, i didnt and i just wont be able to bring myself to Boo Pearson either if he does indeed end up leaving. The blame for this sits at the feet of MM.

[Mikey]

The way he guided us back up was immaculate, we played some lovely stuff and never looked like slipping out of the top 2 all season. He finally got the best out of Matty Fryatt, brought in young gems such as Hobbs and Morrison and other terrific finds in Dyer, Tunchev and Berner. As well as nurturing Andy King into one of the best outside the top flight. Was very quite throughout and never lookd like a man under pressure but so focused, raising a smile only on that amazing day in Southend, He did what was expected yes, but also built terrific foundations for further progression which we discovered back in the 2nd tier.

Last season again featured a few excellent acquisitions, however how much credit does Nigel get for this? It's clear to many the huge role Steve Walsh played in the recruitment of players. Players like Weale, Wellens and Gallagher were key finds and the way he used the loan market (again Nigel or Walsh who knows?) with Waghorn, Vaughan, Spearing and Bruce was excellent. The were a few very dodgy signings however Neilson, Kermogant and a few others never really looked up to it. We surpassed many expectations and were a shoot-out away from Wembley, a shoot-out from what I firmly believe would have been a place back in the top flight.

On his way he also used a terrific combination of young and old, experienced and enthusiastic. For every Spearing, Hobbs, Morrison used there was a Powell, a Solano, a Howard, players who have been there, done it and seen it. He seemed to build a real togetherness about the side and certainly in the way they came across a side with great passion and pride for the shirt, club and fans.

If I wanted to criticise NP, well I'd say we wern't the most attractive side last season, he made some frankly baffling substitutions and tactics mainly over christmas and does indeed seem to have some favourites I'm still lost as to why Dany N'Guasan was frozen out so often and Paul Gallagher seemingly untouchable. But that is nit-picking to guide us up and come so close to repeating the feat was remarkable.

Quite frankly I'm still amazed he's gone. Not sure on what reception I'll give him yet, part of me thinks we gave him his big chance, look how he's treated us. But then a larger part says this is all Milan's fault and to be honest Nigel has above all given me a squad of players to be truely proud of again.

The makings of a long term saviour and genuine top flight leader but ultimately a man who has quit well before the job is complete. 8/10.

Quality post.

[Daggers]

HE HASNT GONE YET.

Of course he hasn't, my bad. He is staying in a Travel Tavern currently signing up Edgar Davids to mastermind our promotion push next season.

****.

[lcfc_jme]

The way he guided us back up was immaculate, we played some lovely stuff and never looked like slipping out of the top 2 all season. He finally got the best out of Matty Fryatt, brought in young gems such as Hobbs and Morrison and other terrific finds in Dyer, Tunchev and Berner. As well as nurturing Andy King into one of the best outside the top flight. Was very quite throughout and never lookd like a man under pressure but so focused, raising a smile only on that amazing day in Southend, He did what was expected yes, but also built terrific foundations for further progression which we discovered back in the 2nd tier.

Last season again featured a few excellent acquisitions, however how much credit does Nigel get for this? It's clear to many the huge role Steve Walsh played in the recruitment of players. Players like Weale, Wellens and Gallagher were key finds and the way he used the loan market (again Nigel or Walsh who knows?) with Waghorn, Vaughan, Spearing and Bruce was excellent. The were a few very dodgy signings however Neilson, Kermogant and a few others never really looked up to it. We surpassed many expectations and were a shoot-out away from Wembley, a shoot-out from what I firmly believe would have been a place back in the top flight.

On his way he also used a terrific combination of young and old, experienced and enthusiastic. For every Spearing, Hobbs, Morrison used there was a Powell, a Solano, a Howard, players who have been there, done it and seen it. He seemed to build a real togetherness about the side and certainly in the way they came across a side with great passion and pride for the shirt, club and fans.

If I wanted to criticise NP, well I'd say we wern't the most attractive side last season, he made some frankly baffling substitutions and tactics mainly over christmas and does indeed seem to have some favourites I'm still lost as to why Dany N'Guasan was frozen out so often and Paul Gallagher seemingly untouchable. But that is nit-picking to guide us up and come so close to repeating the feat was remarkable.

Quite frankly I'm still amazed he's gone. Not sure on what reception I'll give him yet, part of me thinks we gave him his big chance, look how he's treated us. But then a larger part says this is all Milan's fault and to be honest Nigel has above all given me a squad of players to be truely proud of again.

The makings of a long term saviour and genuine top flight leader but ultimately a man who has quit well before the job is complete. 8/10.

Superb summation by Leicester Square's bottom right-hand corner, that.

[Candidcamera]

He was the best manager of Leicester City since MON which wouldn't be difficult looking at the list of others. He came in at a time when to be frank we were at our lowest ebb ever. He started by building a foundation from the back. The defence was completely rebuilt and will still be there for teh new man. Hobbs, Morrison, Tunchev (hopefully) and Berner sounds excellent to me. When we got promotion he had steadied the ship and we had King emerging Dyer, Howard and Oakley all very good and he gave them the will to play for the shirt. Fryatt was a lost soul before he came and was instrumental in everything we did. Then came another hugely instrumental buy in Wellens. A bit of aggression in the middle of the park and a real 100% player. He has built this foundation on very little money. Just recently we were reading how he had signed 2 good youngsters for the future and noone doubts we need cover at left back. I will be sad to see him go and even at this point hope what seems inevitable won't happen. There is only one marking of Nigel Pearson from me 10/10. Good luck Nigel.

[Fox92]

Thank you to Nigel Pearson and his staff for the past two seasons.

Thank you to Steve Walsh for finding the players he did.

I'll be very sad to see Nigel and his staff leave, but they have given us two enjoyable and fantastic seasons.

[Guest Bilo]

On balance he was largely excellent.

To get promoted from League One as champions at the first attempt was no mean feat, you need only ask Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Forest to work that one out. We made some great signings, used the loan market well and played some excellent football. In the end it was never in doubt and we did look a Championship team placed a division too low.

This year was a curious one in some ways though. The pretty football that got us promoted seemed to be discarded barring a few brief false dawns as defence seemed to take precedence. While making the play-offs was an awesome achievement, I can't help the feeling that we could have done even better with a bit more adventure at times by killing off teams when we were 1-0 up rather than defending that lead, only to see them equalise and see us drop two points. That would be my only criticism of Nigel over his tenure here.

The past two years have seen us go from a laughing stock to a respected Championship side again and I thank Nigel for his part in making that happen. I just can't bring myself to wish him luck though after the way he's left us for what looks like a sideways move at best. Therefore I'll say this;

May you have an interesting career Nigel.