davieG Posted 29 June 2010 Posted 29 June 2010 Milan Mandaric says he must accept manager Nigel Pearson's decision to leave Leicester City. But the City owner has vowed to find the next Nigel Pearson to carry on his good work. Pearson has quit the club to take up the vacant position at Championship rivals Hull City and will be unveiled at the KC Stadium tomorrow. Hull made a formal approach to speak to the City boss early last week and permission was granted. Compensation, believed to be around £350,000, has been agreed and Pearson completed his negotiations with Hull yesterday. Joining him at the KC Stadium will be assistant Craig Shakespeare and head of recruitment Steve Walsh. There was also speculation yesterday that club ambassador Alan Birchenall had left the club, although City said he was still a club employee. City legend Birchenall was unavailable for comment. Mandaric, who is on holiday in Africa, says he tried to persuade Pearson to change his mind, and even stated that he had not completely given up, although the deal is done. "Nigel expressed an interest to talk to Hull and I made as much effort as I could to keep him," said Mandaric. "I have spoken to him several times and I asked him to wait for me to come back later this week so we could sit down and talk. "There was no indication before I left that he was unhappy at the club and my relationship with him is 100 per cent. When I left, we were in good shape. "It is not over yet but we might run out of time. "He has done a fantastic job here but I may have to respect his decision to leave. Life must go on and Leicester City is bigger than Nigel Pearson and Milan Mandaric." Mandaric thanked Pearson for his efforts and said he was confident he could recruit a new manager to build on the foundations he had laid. In his two-year reign, Pearson won the League One title and took City to the Championship play-offs, and there will be no shortage of managers interested in taking over. "The club has been stabilised and Nigel has made a big contribution," said Mandaric. "He has laid a strong foundation and we have to build upon that now. We will look for another good manager who can keep the club going in the right direction. That is what we did two years ago when we appointed Nigel. "I want to reassure the fans the club is going forward. We have to respect Nigel's decision but there is always another good manager. "There will be no shortage of contenders and now I need to make sure I recruit the right person to take the club forward." Meanwhile, Mandaric has confirmed the club has been talking to a potential group of investors. The Mercury has learned that a group were shown around the club's facilities last week, but Mandaric said nothing may come of the approach. He said: "Remember what I said when there was talk about possible investors from America? Leicester City is a big club and there will be people who will look at the club for sponsorship or investment opportunities. "People are currently looking at the club but how far that goes, we will wait and see. If someone expresses an interest, then we have to respond. "I have always said I will sell the club only to a proper buyer who can take the club forward. They would have to be able to build on what we have accomplished. "Right now there is nothing to report."
Trav Le Bleu Posted 29 June 2010 Posted 29 June 2010 And what have we seen so far from Americans investing in English football clubs. Unless he means South Americans. Venezualan Drug Baron buys Leicester City... I can see the headlines now!
Shrenchel Posted 29 June 2010 Posted 29 June 2010 And what have we seen so far from Americans investing in English football clubs. Randy seems to be doing alright. John Berylson too. There's that yank that's been pumping shit load of coin into Arsenal without too many dramas as well.
ithuriel Posted 29 June 2010 Posted 29 June 2010 Milan did everything he could to keep Pearson whilst on holiday, yet another holiday ? , hmmm rubbish is the first word that pops into my head. Appears the rumours that have been dragging on behind the scenes all season that Pearson was not getting on with Milan and that the club had been denying was true. Certainly glad i was not one of those that ran out late last season to buy this seasons, season ticket.
CKB Posted 29 June 2010 Posted 29 June 2010 "I want to reassure the fans the club is going forward. We have to respect Nigel's decision but there is always another good manager. "There will be no shortage of contenders and now I need to make sure I recruit the right person to take the club forward." Ok Milan.........................
Far Post Gerry Posted 29 June 2010 Posted 29 June 2010 That stinks a bit to me. He's avoiding saying anything about the circumstances that made Nige want to leave. Maybe MM did try to convince him to stay (on a satellite phone from Botswana), but I can't believe that Nige was completely happy, and just fancied a move to Hull. I wouldn't expect MM to give us chapter and verse about what went on, but there's def a lot he's not saying.
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