Foxes Forum -Views on Nigel Pearson

[Abraham Romanovich]

Just to add to the feelgood factor 

https://www.foxestalk.co.uk/topic/123374-nigel-pearson-here-and-now/#comments

"Rodgers ain’t a patch on Nige. Bring him back. "

"So jealous of the ride the Bristol City fans are going on at the moment. He gave me some of my favourite years following football, you just knew they were going to turn up week in week out and give absolutely everything. "

Going to be a bitter pill for a lot on here when we're in a lower league than Nige next season! 

[P'head Red]

Most clubs have their relative cycle. I don't think they'll go down this season, but they're obviously a long way from where they were a couple of years ago. And I expect they'll bounce back a few years down the line. 

[Ostrich]

What's interesting about our fans and Pearson, and I say this as someone who would swap Rodgers for Pearson in a heartbeat, is many of them seem to be forgetting that exactly what they say about Rodgers now is what they were saying about Pearson at times after he came back in 11/12 and certainly when we collapsed in the second half of 12/13 - they certainly weren't saying "you just knew they were going to turn up week in week out and give absolutely everything" after Barnsley away that year for example.

The tendency of selective memory.

[Port Said Red]

3 minutes ago, Ostrich said:

What's interesting about our fans and Pearson, and I say this as someone who would swap Rodgers for Pearson in a heartbeat, is many of them seem to be forgetting that exactly what they say about Rodgers now is what they were saying about Pearson at times after he came back in 11/12 and certainly when we collapsed in the second half of 12/13 - they certainly weren't saying "you just knew they were going to turn up week in week out and give absolutely everything" after Barnsley away that year for example.

The tendency of selective memory.

It's like Lee Johnson on here but in reverse.

[samo II]

1 minute ago, Ostrich said:

What's interesting about our fans and Pearson, and I say this as someone who would swap Rodgers for Pearson in a heartbeat, is many of them seem to be forgetting that exactly what they say about Rodgers now is what they were saying about Pearson at times after he came back in 11/12 and certainly when we collapsed in the second half of 12/13 - they certainly weren't saying "you just knew they were going to turn up week in week out and give absolutely everything" after Barnsley away that year for example.

The tendency of selective memory.

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

Think all football fans who’ve had good times under a manager or with a player have a tendency to hark back to them when things go south.

But I think with Pearson, we’re probably proving a decent project for him due to a number of factors; as you say, he’s worked under restrictions that have granted him time, and he’s been mainly shrewd in his buys and blessed with solid youth players, so would be surprised if he’d leg it to a bigger club in a difficult situation at the drop of a hat.

[Ostrich]

13 minutes ago, samo II said:

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

Think all football fans who’ve had good times under a manager or with a player have a tendency to hark back to them when things go south.

But I think with Pearson, we’re probably proving a decent project for him due to a number of factors; as you say, he’s worked under restrictions that have granted him time, and he’s been mainly shrewd in his buys and blessed with solid youth players, so would be surprised if he’d leg it to a bigger club in a difficult situation at the drop of a hat.

Depends on the individual - if you value the project, seeing things through, and not upsetting the apple cart once you're in the groove then stick with it. I do think that is Pearson. Certainly think as his years progress with not perfect health, he will value things other than climbing the ladder so to speak.

 The only question is whether he thinks he has unfinished business again. Immaterial because I doubt he'd be under consideration anyway.

[glynriley]

14 minutes ago, samo II said:

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

Think all football fans who’ve had good times under a manager or with a player have a tendency to hark back to them when things go south.

But I think with Pearson, we’re probably proving a decent project for him due to a number of factors; as you say, he’s worked under restrictions that have granted him time, and he’s been mainly shrewd in his buys and blessed with solid youth players, so would be surprised if he’d leg it to a bigger club in a difficult situation at the drop of a hat.

I watched his interview, from when he was appointed full time, back the other day. 
 

It’s a good reminder for some of our fans, as it was for me, that the project that Nige spoke about that day, is running along just as he had mapped out in his head. 
 

 

[Sheltons Army]

34 minutes ago, glynriley said:

I watched his interview, from when he was appointed full time, back the other day. 
 

It’s a good reminder for some of our fans, as it was for me, that the project that Nige spoke about that day, is running along just as he had mapped out in his head. 
 

 

He’s like that middle aged , weathered RAC guy who turns up to you as you are marooned on the side of the M5 with steam emerging from somewhere under the bonnet and a very poorly motor, you’re thinking catastrophic 

Stressed , because you absolutely have to get somewhere and babbling your stress in blind panic to him

He gives a slight grin as he opens the side door on his van reaching for some tools , turns to you , chuckles and says with a slight smile

‘Don’t worry mate ............I’ll have you off and running in 20 mins or so’

 

And you realise......he will

 

[Street red]

3 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

He’s like that middle aged , weathered RAC guy who turns up to you as you are marooned on the side of the M5 with steam emerging from somewhere under the bonnet and a very poorly motor, you’re thinking catastrophic 

Stressed , because you absolutely have to get somewhere and babbling your stress in blind panic to him

He gives a slight grin as he opens the side door on his van reaching for some tools , turns to you , chuckles and says with a slight smile

‘Don’t worry mate ............I’ll have you off and running in 20 mins or so’

 

And you realise......he will

 

Sums it up perfectly 

[Sheltons Army]

If you listen to him , he’s  actually a gentleman , straight talking but very measured , and very ‘strong’ in stature and presence , but conducts himself so well

 

( * mind you , I Would have loved to have been a bystander when he found Marley hiding in the HPC to avoid training )

You can guarantee he will be giving , say Alex Scott , a roasting mid training on Tuesday for sloppy passing , and walking off from the session 25 mins later with his arm around him , grin on his face , pulling Scott’s leg and reminding him what a good player he is and how well he is doing !

Edited September 4, 2022 by Sheltons Army

[Davefevs]

Thanks @glynrileyfor re-linking.

The things that stood out for me watching back…

• the vision / objective is PL

Thats the easy bit!

But the important bit is planning how to get from A to B.  Changing the culture is a big part in that.

[Major Isewater]

1 hour ago, Abraham Romanovich said:

Just to add to the feelgood factor 

https://www.foxestalk.co.uk/topic/123374-nigel-pearson-here-and-now/#comments

"Rodgers ain’t a patch on Nige. Bring him back. "

"So jealous of the ride the Bristol City fans are going on at the moment. He gave me some of my favourite years following football, you just knew they were going to turn up week in week out and give absolutely everything. "

Going to be a bitter pill for a lot on here when we're in a lower league than Nige next season! 

He is doing the same job here. Luckily SL is letting him get on with it. Bristol City Premier League Champions in two seasons. 

[Kid in the Riot]

1 hour ago, Ostrich said:

The only question is whether he thinks he has unfinished business again. Immaterial because I doubt he'd be under consideration anyway.

Why, out of interest? Because they'd want a bigger name?

There was a Leicester fan on 606 last Saturday, who'd been at our game at Blackpool. He said he wanted Pearson back, and ever since then, the more I've been thinking about it, the more it worries me that it could happen. I agree, unlikely. However, I think it would also make a lot of sense for your owners assuming Pearson keeps us up in the top 4/5 of the division and you guys continue to struggle. 

As I say, an outside chance, but much stranger things have happened in football. Pearson has made some "interesting" career choices over the years too. 

[Midred]

After he got Leicester promoted and they were doing well why did he leave/get the sack for the club to then bring Ranieri in to take the plaudits for winning the Championship? 

[Southport Red]

This quote is my favourite. 

[Keepers Ball]

Absolutely laughable. When Rodgers went in they were all getting excited.

And now Nige has gone on a mini run of results they want him? They wouldn't have given him a second glance last season.

[AshtonRobin21]

16 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Why, out of interest? Because they'd want a bigger name?

There was a Leicester fan on 606 last Saturday, who'd been at our game at Blackpool. He said he wanted Pearson back, and ever since then, the more I've been thinking about it, the more it worries me that it could happen. I agree, unlikely. However, I think it would also make a lot of sense for your owners assuming Pearson keeps us up in the top 4/5 of the division and you guys continue to struggle. 

As I say, an outside chance, but much stranger things have happened in football. Pearson has made some "interesting" career choices over the years too. 

My worry also. 

I think it's more possible than some may think. He has a fantastic relationship with their owners still to this day. 

He was at the opening ceremony of their new training ground last year, after being personally invited by their chairman. 

Some managers click at certain clubs, and Pearson is certainly well-suited to Leicester. 

I really hope it doesn't happen, but I wouldn't rule it out. 

[Sheltons Army]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Thanks @glynrileyfor re-linking.

The things that stood out for me watching back…

• the vision / objective is PL

Thats the easy bit!

But the important bit is planning how to get from A to B.  Changing the culture is a big part in that.

Yes thanks @glynriley , I’ve listened to it , and then listened again !

I found it absolutely fascinating , listening to it now , and considering his words in various interviews since , and yesterday’s , and what has happened and what we’ve seen along a bumpy road

I found the interview good, interesting,  and quite reassuring at the time ,

but when you listen to it back , now , it was IMHO absolutely brilliant 

Hes a very level headed , intelligent , strong , wise , man , deep thinking and the absolute epitome (For me) of a true ‘leader’

It’s absolutely clear that he  made a brilliant and very astute professional assessment of the Club and its issues at that time and you could feel that he had a clear plan and idea of what he needed to do, and you can see , one by one , things he talked about in that interview being ticked off or significantly improved 

Besides the improvement on the pitch , it leaves me feeling very reassured about our trajectory and our current health

Its ironic , that the actual mess we were in , I actually believe in a twist of fate did us a favour

Nigel Pearson is himself , clearly stimulated , and I’d guess ‘at his best’ , by a ‘challenge’ and to a large degree we may have been the perfect fit for him (With the facilities etc we were at least a Club in decent shape) , a project , a challenge with the potential tools attainable or available , in time

I think we needed him , he’s possibly the most assured ‘leader’ I can recall in my years , and I think we , and the challenge have brought / are bringing out , the best of him 

I really like and admire the fact , that he was so realistic about the challenge , especially knowing the financial constraints moving forward, and actually openly relished it, and no changing goalposts since,  whining about lack of budget etc etc , just got on with it and attempted to deliver exactly what he said he would do , or try to.

I like that he absolutely gets supporters , and their desire to see commitment (He mentions it regularly) and to enjoy their football , and the responsibility of the players in respect of supporters

Is he taking us up at some point ?
Not a clue !    
 

But personally , I think we are very fortunate to have him , ( it’s a shame we couldn’t have had him a few years back ) and their are lots of things to take real pride in being a City fan at the moment and Pearson is one of them

 

I really like him, and more importantly I really rate him , totally trust him

 

[The Bard]

22 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Why, out of interest? Because they'd want a bigger name?

There was a Leicester fan on 606 last Saturday, who'd been at our game at Blackpool. He said he wanted Pearson back, and ever since then, the more I've been thinking about it, the more it worries me that it could happen. I agree, unlikely. However, I think it would also make a lot of sense for your owners assuming Pearson keeps us up in the top 4/5 of the division and you guys continue to struggle. 

As I say, an outside chance, but much stranger things have happened in football. Pearson has made some "interesting" career choices over the years too. 

He'll stay here.  Unless there is some unwanted ownership interference that will make him think 'why am I bothering?'

However, you would hope that the work done so far means that will not happen.  

That leads me to think, if we stay in contention at the top of the table, surely the sale of the club becomes likely.  It would be typical for the Lansdowns to sell to someone who then undermines Nige and he jumps ship.  

[Sheltons Army]

2 minutes ago, The Bard said:

He'll stay here.  Unless there is some unwanted ownership interference that will make him think 'why am I bothering?'

However, you would hope that the work done so far means that will not happen.  

That leads me to think, if we stay in contention at the top of the table, surely the sale of the club becomes likely.  It would be typical for the Lansdowns to sell to someone who then undermines Nige and he jumps ship.  

Dont....just don’t......

.........my god ...you can .....can’t you

[ExiledAjax]

Living in Leicestershire means I'm meeting quite a few Foxes fans at the moment.

Generally I get told/asked something along the lines of "Pearson is doing well with you isn't he? Did you know he laid the groundwork for our PL win? You've got a good guy at the helm there. Nah wouldn't want him back though as those days are gone?"

Then I ask who they'd like and I'd say the majority say they want the bloke managing their adversary today: Potter.

Just my anecdotal evidence.

[ScottishRed]

28 minutes ago, Midred said:

After he got Leicester promoted and they were doing well why did he leave/get the sack for the club to then bring Ranieri in to take the plaudits for winning the Championship? 

IIRC there was an unpleasant incident involving young Leicester players on a post season trip to Thailand, this was a club trip and involved Nigel’s son. 

Nigel lost his job over this / resigned, can’t remember which.

[Sheltons Army]

Good posts on their forum @Superjack

[Ostrich]

54 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Why, out of interest? Because they'd want a bigger name?

There was a Leicester fan on 606 last Saturday, who'd been at our game at Blackpool. He said he wanted Pearson back, and ever since then, the more I've been thinking about it, the more it worries me that it could happen. I agree, unlikely. However, I think it would also make a lot of sense for your owners assuming Pearson keeps us up in the top 4/5 of the division and you guys continue to struggle. 

As I say, an outside chance, but much stranger things have happened in football. Pearson has made some "interesting" career choices over the years too. 

Yes. If he was out of work and they needed an interim, then they might go back there (like Watford did), but that's not going to be the case. It's 8 games into the Championship season, having finished 17th last year - anyone who is slightly in the loop or looks at this forum will know there's reasons for that but it's not quite what gets you a Premier League job at a club that, at least longer term, still aims to challenge a bit further up even if we're not going to be doing that this year. I think there's also question marks over his PL record too.

The relationship is there still that makes it a possibility which it wouldn't be for anyone else in the league, it'd also probably be quite cheap and I'm not sure of the viable alternatives. I think Rodgers is here much longer than the fans hope.

[TV Tom]

1 hour ago, Sheltons Army said:

He’s like that middle aged , weathered RAC guy who turns up to you as you are marooned on the side of the M5 with steam emerging from somewhere under the bonnet and a very poorly motor, you’re thinking catastrophic 

Stressed , because you absolutely have to get somewhere and babbling your stress in blind panic to him

He gives a slight grin as he opens the side door on his van reaching for some tools , turns to you , chuckles and says with a slight smile

‘Don’t worry mate ............I’ll have you off and running in 20 mins or so’

 

And you realise......he will

 

That is just one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard, love it

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, Sheltons Army said:

He’s like that middle aged , weathered RAC guy who turns up to you as you are marooned on the side of the M5 with steam emerging from somewhere under the bonnet and a very poorly motor, you’re thinking catastrophic 

Stressed , because you absolutely have to get somewhere and babbling your stress in blind panic to him

He gives a slight grin as he opens the side door on his van reaching for some tools , turns to you , chuckles and says with a slight smile

‘Don’t worry mate ............I’ll have you off and running in 20 mins or so’

 

And you realise......he will

 

SL had been with Green Flag, that was the problem!

[GrahamC]

2 hours ago, glynriley said:

I watched his interview, from when he was appointed full time, back the other day. 
 

It’s a good reminder for some of our fans, as it was for me, that the project that Nige spoke about that day, is running along just as he had mapped out in his head. 
 

 

100%.

I’ve done so recently too & the 2 pre season ones from each year.

Not only is it as he said, but the honesty shines through (when he was offered his 3 year deal he said that results had been “terrible”).

His clarity & gravitas are very impressive, of course he repeats phrases (we all do) but he’s such a good appointment for a club that has made some frankly utterly incredible ones.
 

 

Edited September 4, 2022 by GrahamC

[TV Tom]

52 minutes ago, The Bard said:

He'll stay here.  Unless there is some unwanted ownership interference that will make him think 'why am I bothering?'

However, you would hope that the work done so far means that will not happen.  

That leads me to think, if we stay in contention at the top of the table, surely the sale of the club becomes likely.  It would be typical for the Lansdowns to sell to someone who then undermines Nige and he jumps ship.  

Give SL a bit of credit, he did appoint Pearson and stuck with him during some right dross when many, many other chairmen would of got rid

[Superjack]

13 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

Good posts on their forum @Superjack

Thank you.

Didn't want them getting too excited in case their board starts listening.

[Sheltons Army]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

SL had been with Green Flag, that was the problem!

Ha ha , like it

 

I heard he’d been impressed by Jon’s friend at college who had done several courses and had told SL that he could have the Bentley doing 0-60 in 4 secs whilst doing 85 mpg , all he would need is a few parts 

Apparently initially the Bentley spluttered a bit , then ran ok for a bit , even though the new parts didn’t seem to last long , but then began to break down regularly , no pleasure to drive , and despite the repeated parts changing and ridiculous bills incurred  , had lost complete value or usefulness 

 

[downendcity]

2 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

He’s like that middle aged , weathered RAC guy who turns up to you as you are marooned on the side of the M5 with steam emerging from somewhere under the bonnet and a very poorly motor, you’re thinking catastrophic 

Stressed , because you absolutely have to get somewhere and babbling your stress in blind panic to him

He gives a slight grin as he opens the side door on his van reaching for some tools , turns to you , chuckles and says with a slight smile

‘Don’t worry mate ............I’ll have you off and running in 20 mins or so’

 

And you realise......he will

 

When he's fixed it, the RAC man points out that he's surprised, as the problem was almost certainly there when you bought the car and almost certainly should have been picked up since then.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the car salesman ( Swiss Tony) that sold you the vehicle, and the guy that did it's last few services are nowhere to be seen!

[Red Army 75]

Excellent read. Held in very high regard in Leicester.

Time to extend his contract 

[BCFCGav]

This might be less speculative soon! Leicester behind despite leading after 50 seconds. Not sure how secure Rodger’s job is!

[Rudolf Hucker]

59 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

of course he repeats phrases (we all do)

I don’t. I really don’t.  

[Mr Popodopolous]

Much as I think NP is great and a good number of Leicester fans do too, I don't see it beibg a major risk even if a vacancy does arise.

[maxjak]

1 hour ago, ExiledAjax said:

Living in Leicestershire means I'm meeting quite a few Foxes fans at the moment.

Generally I get told/asked something along the lines of "Pearson is doing well with you isn't he? Did you know he laid the groundwork for our PL win? You've got a good guy at the helm there. Nah wouldn't want him back though as those days are gone?"

Then I ask who they'd like and I'd say the majority say they want the bloke managing their adversary today: Potter.

Just my anecdotal evidence.

That to me makes perfect sense, Potter appears to be one of the most admired and desired manager's  in the Prem?  It is obvious to all what a fantastic job he is doing at Brighton.  But the little i know about NP, and his outlook, I  believe he would never make a backward step, and return to Leicester,as he seems genuinely committed to his long term project with us...... IMHO.

[BS15_RED]

A while back I read Peter Schmeichel‘s autobiography, in it he talks about Kasper’s career at Leicester and he speaks about Nige in glowing terms, going as far as saying that Leicester’s PL triumph was pretty much down to Nige and not Claudio Ranieri!

Edited September 4, 2022 by BS15_RED

[cidered abroad]

2 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

Yes thanks @glynriley , I’ve listened to it , and then listened again !

I found it absolutely fascinating , listening to it now , and considering his words in various interviews since , and yesterday’s , and what has happened and what we’ve seen along a bumpy road

I found the interview good, interesting,  and quite reassuring at the time ,

but when you listen to it back , now , it was IMHO absolutely brilliant 

Hes a very level headed , intelligent , strong , wise , man , deep thinking and the absolute epitome (For me) of a true ‘leader’

It’s absolutely clear that he  made a brilliant and very astute professional assessment of the Club and its issues at that time and you could feel that he had a clear plan and idea of what he needed to do, and you can see , one by one , things he talked about in that interview being ticked off or significantly improved 

Besides the improvement on the pitch , it leaves me feeling very reassured about our trajectory and our current health

Its ironic , that the actual mess we were in , I actually believe in a twist of fate did us a favour

Nigel Pearson is himself , clearly stimulated , and I’d guess ‘at his best’ , by a ‘challenge’ and to a large degree we may have been the perfect fit for him (With the facilities etc we were at least a Club in decent shape) , a project , a challenge with the potential tools attainable or available , in time

I think we needed him , he’s possibly the most assured ‘leader’ I can recall in my years , and I think we , and the challenge have brought / are bringing out , the best of him 

I really like and admire the fact , that he was so realistic about the challenge , especially knowing the financial constraints moving forward, and actually openly relished it, and no changing goalposts since,  whining about lack of budget etc etc , just got on with it and attempted to deliver exactly what he said he would do , or try to.

I like that he absolutely gets supporters , and their desire to see commitment (He mentions it regularly) and to enjoy their football , and the responsibility of the players in respect of supporters

Is he taking us up at some point ?
Not a clue !    
 

But personally , I think we are very fortunate to have him , ( it’s a shame we couldn’t have had him a few years back ) and their are lots of things to take real pride in being a City fan at the moment and Pearson is one of them

 

I really like him, and more importantly I really rate him , totally trust him

 

I feel that we've only had three comparable managers to Nigel Pearson in my lifetime.

Fred Ford, Alan Dicks and Terry Cooper.

All of them took on a massive task to achieve what they did.

Joe Jordan 1st time and Cotterill were not here long enough to compare, IMO.

If, and it's a very big IF, NP manages to get us promoted from the state we were in when he arrived, it will be  above any of the three above without belittling their work at City.

[Sheltons Army]

10 minutes ago, cidered abroad said:

I feel that we've only had three comparable managers to Nigel Pearson in my lifetime.

Fred Ford, Alan Dicks and Terry Cooper.

All of them took on a massive task to achieve what they did.

Joe Jordan 1st time and Cotterill were not here long enough to compare, IMO.

If, and it's a very big IF, NP manages to get us promoted from the state we were in when he arrived, it will be  above any of the three above without belittling their work at City.

Interesting CA You go back further than me,  but I originally had in my post, 

‘Have we ever made a better appointment’

But then trying to compare with Dicks , and a different era and then the jobs JJ , GJ & SC did , I held off , and deleted it , but , whatever happens here on in and looking deep , I do wonder whether we have 

[Sheltons Army]

Not sure if it’s been posted before but below is an extract (About his Leicester times) from a piece with NP from The Coaches Voice 

An interesting short read , giving a good insight into him , and interesting in relation to his current work

———————————————————————————————————————————

 

While I was at Southampton, Leicester were relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history.

I became the sixth manager they’d had in 16 months, and I could sense it from the moment I went in, not just from the players but some of the staff, too. It was that feeling of: “I’ve heard it all before.”

If managers come and go so quickly, people go into survival mode. It becomes very difficult to ask them to pin their loyalty to your way of working. If you’re going to be gone in six months why should they side with you?

Everything is written in chalk. They’ll wipe it off when you’re gone.

“Sometimes you only change the culture by changing players”

It’s not straightforward to get people to change those attitudes. For that, you need a bit of patience.

Believing in what you do is one thing, but believing in what may be happening over a period of time is more difficult.

It’s not easy for people who are involved in it to get it, or believe it, or think that it’s the way forward, and you can’t force it. Change is inevitable, but there are subtleties involved in how you do it. Sometimes you need a strong hand, and sometimes it requires more of a subtle touch.

I was fortunate at Leicester, in that I inherited some outstanding staff at the club, as well as an open mentality. When you work at places where you don’t have that you realise it’s a huge gift.

The nucleus of senior players was good, and we brought in some young ones with the drive and desire to do well. It was a good blend – one that took us straight back up to the Championship.

That first year was probably the most enjoyable season I’ve had in football. Certainly as a manager.

For all of us it was a season in which we grew. That’s a bit of a poor word to use, but it’s probably the right one.

Our first season in the Championship ended with all the staff putting the season to bed with a couple of drinks in my father-in-law’s pub. We’d lost to Cardiff on penalties in the semi finals of the playoffs. Unfortunately that was my first stint at Leicester over.

“Some believe that batsmen have to play themselves back into form. There’s an element of that with footballers too”

On that occasion it was my decision. Things happened off the field that I wasn’t particularly happy with.

It was probably a bit of stubbornness from me, but there are moral dilemmas I won’t back down on. I decided it was time for a change.

When I went back almost 18 months later, I walked into a Leicester City that was under new ownership and with a playing squad that had changed hugely from when I left.

On paper all of us agreed – good side. But we quickly found out that the reason it was a good squad of players that weren’t getting results was because they were precisely that – a good squad on paper.

We recognised pretty quickly that we needed to change things, both in terms of the players and the culture. Sometimes you can only change the culture by changing the players.

It’s something that evolves over a period of time, which can be one of the difficult things as a manager. It’s not always just about the results – you can get quite low when you can’t see a shift in the mentality.

We got there in the end, but it took patience. A manager’s best work is often done when the results are bad. When everybody else is moaning – that’s when you’re probably doing your best work.

The summer after I went back to Leicester we signed Jamie Vardy. He was coming into the professional game late, from non-league. We’d spent a million quid on him, but my expectations of him being game-effective in the first year were relatively realistic.

 

“One of my strengths is actually to manage under pressure”

He has said himself that he struggled with self-doubt in that first season – we had to find a way of helping him through that. It’s difficult to get the balance right of knowing when to keep a player playing through a bad spell.

In cricket there’s a school of thought that batsmen have to play themselves back into form. There is an element of that with footballers, too. If a player has a bit of a difficult time and knows he’ll be taken out of the firing line every time then all you’ll ever have is a player who’s either in form, or one who’s in a total loss of form.

Strikers judge themselves by how many goals they score. You can say, “You’re doing exactly what we need when we don’t have the ball”, but it’s hard for them to believe.

It is a calculated risk sometimes when you say: “I’m going to keep playing you.” It could have backfired with Jamie, but we believed he could succeed.

That season we lost narrowly in the playoff semi finals again. My message to everyone – staff, and players – after that game was simple. Make sure that when you come back the disappointment is gone.

None of us – me included – could come back with anything other than a positive intent for the following season. If we returned with any lack of clarity as to what we needed we’d have had a nightmare.

From the first day back we talked about promotion. That’s what everybody expects you to get, so why be afraid of it?

We started that season well, but it was around Christmas that we really hit the run of form that got us promoted. Between mid-December and April we didn’t lose a single game.

 

“In football there are lots of different ways of finding success”

Gaining momentum is hard, but once you’ve got it it’s about not messing around with things too much. We used to work at what we did – we’d plan for what we’d do in games. But if I’m honest, one of the big things in that season was feeling that the players were confident.

We’re not talking about technical stuff here. We’re talking about managing the mood – allowing people to feel good, and to drive it themselves. 

What they need from the staff is structure, and the belief that what we are doing is alright.

I thought we’d do better the following season, in the Premier League, than we did. 

We’d constructed a team that we thought was good enough to get there – one we thought might be good enough once we were in it, too.

Some of the games we expected to do better in we drew. We were losing at home. At times it was a struggle to find a rhythm that allowed us to win games. In every league in the world, when you go from the second division to the top you get punished by players who have that extra bit of quality.

Even in tight games when we played pretty well we just couldn’t get over the line. All year we knew we were competitive, but we were losing by the odd goal and sitting bottom of the league.

My position came under intense scrutiny at times. I suppose you cope in different ways – publicly, I obviously didn’t manage it very well.

People might argue differently, but I will say that one of my strengths is to manage under pressure. 

Though everybody has a saturation point.

[Sleepy1968]

Leicester might need a new manager very soon, just lost 5-2 away at Brighton.

[eardun]

Yep that may have done for Rogers. 

[The Bard]

3 hours ago, ExiledAjax said:

Living in Leicestershire means I'm meeting quite a few Foxes fans at the moment.

Generally I get told/asked something along the lines of "Pearson is doing well with you isn't he? Did you know he laid the groundwork for our PL win? You've got a good guy at the helm there. Nah wouldn't want him back though as those days are gone?"

Then I ask who they'd like and I'd say the majority say they want the bloke managing their adversary today: Potter.

Just my anecdotal evidence.

I'd be staggered if Potter left Brighton for Leicester.  

[ExiledAjax]

4 minutes ago, The Bard said:

I'd be staggered if Potter left Brighton for Leicester.  

Ha. Especially after this afternoon right!?

[Gert Mare]

3 hours ago, downendcity said:

When he's fixed it, the RAC man points out that he's surprised, as the problem was almost certainly there when you bought the car and almost certainly should have been picked up since then.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the car salesman ( Swiss Tony) that sold you the vehicle, and the guy that did it's last few services are nowhere to be seen!

Swiss Tony can now be found residing in Ipswich

[Robbored]

5 hours ago, Major Isewater said:

He is doing the same job here. Luckily SL is letting him get on with it. Bristol City Premier League Champions in two seasons. 

He is indeed and after 1.5 seasons he’s gradually turning us into a formidable outfit - just as he did at Leicester. I said when he signed the 3 year contract  that’s Nige is the first proper manager since Danny Wilson, both with promotion on their CV  

What doesn’t help tho is when Invisible Jon says he was disappointed with last season……….jeez……… 

That said maybe the invisible man hadn’t realised what an absolute shambles that Nige inherited and if that true then he was well and truly conned by smarmy Ashton.

[RedLionLad]

8 hours ago, Robbored said:

He is indeed and after 1.5 seasons he’s gradually turning us into a formidable outfit - just as he did at Leicester. I said when he signed the 3 year contract  that’s Nige is the first proper manager since Danny Wilson, both with promotion on their CV  

What doesn’t help tho is when Invisible Jon says he was disappointed with last season……….jeez……… 

That said maybe the invisible man hadn’t realised what an absolute shambles that Nige inherited and if that true then he was well and truly conned by smarmy Ashton.

Danny Wilson’s downfall…

[TV Tom]

2 hours ago, RedLionLad said:

Danny Wilson’s downfall…

Without doubt

[Robbored]

1 hour ago, harrys said:

Without doubt

Losing to a penalty in the pray off final probably did cost Wilson his job but his sacking came as a surprise to many including Wilson himself but City shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

I reckon it was Lee Miller missing a far post tap in cost City two points at the County Ground which had he scored would have meant automatic promotion but hey-ho it doesn’t matter now.

[Oh Louie louie]

Potter, will be the next england boss, i expect.

Fa man, if i ever saw one.

[swanker]

5 hours ago, RedLionLad said:

Danny Wilson’s downfall…

Not playing Leroy Lita!

[nebristolred]

Shades of Gary Johnson here as well to be fair. Pearson is lightyears ahead of GJ, but we shouldn't underestimate the culture change that GJ implemented, and one that we desperately needed. Filtering out the crap and replacing them with good eggs that put the club in a better position than before. Exactly the same as Nige is doing.

Wilson was a good bloke and a good manager, but ultimately what cost him is probably that particular skill which both GJ and NP exhibit.

[Oh Louie louie]

Didnt some fans suggest signing miller to sl?

Imagine how wilson felt about that.

 

 

[Monkeh]

I'd swap Pearson for Rogers, I think Rogers is a better manager,

That being said I don't want Pearson gone as I think he's fantastic and what the club needs

[Mr Popodopolous]

47 minutes ago, Oh Louie louie said:

miller

Ah Lee Miller. Him hitting the woodwork at Swindon late on in April 2004 arguably did for our promotion chances...ifs and buts, however we missed out by one point that season iirc finishing 3rd and that was the difference between a win and a draw. 2 pts.

Someone I was with at the game said it would cost us promotion..I scoffed at the time, good few weeks.left I said.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[Robbored]

2 hours ago, swanker said:

Not playing Leroy Lita!

In a podcast about a year ago DW said that he didn’t think that LL was fit enough to play………..

[luke_bristol]

You want him back? You can’t have him!

[Oh Louie louie]

Miller had no aggression in his game.

Peacock did, but when he ran his contract down, he wasnt giving 100 pc, in the run in.

[Robbored]

3 hours ago, Monkeh said:

I'd swap Pearson for Rogers, I think Rogers is a better manager,

That being said I don't want Pearson gone as I think he's fantastic and what the club needs

The Foxes fans what him gone. Several of them phoned in on Talk Sport earlier giving Rodgers a right slagging and the Souness was reckoned that BR looks after only himself and that’s why he thinks Rodgers wants out of Leicester but won’t resign but wants to be sacked thereby picking up a decent wedge.

They looked at how much Rodgers had spent at Leicester and reckoned his £9m in credit and him criticising the owners after the defeat to Brighton for not spending was a clear indication of him trying to get fired. Souness also reckoned that BR has a very decent squad but isn’t getting the best out of them………..Iirc Rodgers got the Liverpool job after Souness was sacked………….

 

[CodeRed]

30 minutes ago, Robbored said:

The Foxes fans what him gone. Several of them phoned in on Talk Sport earlier giving Rodgers a right slagging and the Souness was reckoned that BR looks after only himself and that’s why he thinks Rodgers wants out of Leicester but won’t resign but wants to be sacked thereby picking up a decent wedge.

They looked at how much Rodgers had spent at Leicester and reckoned his £9m in credit and him criticising the owners after the defeat to Brighton for not spending was a clear indication of him trying to get fired. Souness also reckoned that BR has a very decent squad but isn’t getting the best out of them………..Iirc Rodgers got the Liverpool job after Souness was sacked………….

 

Rodgers got the Liverpool job 18 years after Souness so he (Souness) can't still be bitter - can he?

I can't stand Rodgers, he came over as a right pratt in that TV behind the scenes Liverpool documentary - even worse than LJ for the David Brentspeak

[redsquirrel]

the one thing in the back of my mind is during one interview, pearson said we are a bit behind where we wanted to be but whoever took over when his time was up would find the club in a better place.

did he mean he was going after 3 years regardless??

[Mr Popodopolous]

I wasn't aware of just how much Rodgers must have been spending there but Leicester maybe having to dig themselves out of a financial hole...by the way for a mid sized club, top 5 and top 6, European runs, FA Cup and Charity Shield- impressive but...

Saw a report that suggested their pre tax loss in 2021-22 was as much as £119m!? This is a season post Covid with full attendance!  

Utterly mad for a side in the top half of the PL, with some European revenue who haven't seemed like huge spenders from the outside..that aspect of the job sounds like something NP would thrive at especially as they don't have bottom of the table players (IMO).

Edited September 5, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[nebristolred]

5 minutes ago, Logical-City said:

Let’s not forget we are 8 games in and 4th Gary Johnson took us to the Championship after 9 years in League 1 and a 4th place finish followed by 2 consecutive 10th place championship finishes….

Your memories are different to reality and Pearson is not light years ahead of Johnson.

GJ biggest fault was sticking with us when his stock was high and taking jobs with smaller clubs after leaving us instead of waiting for a decent job playing football politically as managers normally do. He took the first jobs that came up and ultimately his stock fell.

Stiil got Yeovil to the Championship though an incredible achievement perhaps greater than our play off final appearance.

Why some fans deny Gary his due respect will always baffle me

Oh my post wasn't a dig at GJ at all, it was praising him! I'm a huge fan of his and without him we wouldn't be where we are as a club. But I still stand by what I said about Pearson - ex-Premier League with a Championship under his belt. Gary Johnson was a top manager for us but he's not of the same calibre as Pearson imo.

Along with Cotterill, probably our best manager since the 80s. My respect for him is absolutely there.

Edited September 5, 2022 by nebristolred

[RedLionLad]

14 minutes ago, Logical-City said:

First proper manager since Danny Wilson

I reckon Steve Cotterill and Gary Johnson are both laughing at this too

[Robbored]

21 minutes ago, CodeRed said:

Rodgers got the Liverpool job 18 years after Souness so he (Souness) can't still be bitter - can he?

I can't stand Rodgers, he came over as a right pratt in that TV behind the scenes Liverpool documentary - even worse than LJ for the David Brentspeak

He certainly didn’t hold back on his negative opinions of Rodgers………..Souness is 100% Liverpool and gave the distinct impression that he’s never rated Rodgers before, during and after his spell as Liverpool manager.

It was a good listen on Talk Sport this morning. 

[Robbored]

5 minutes ago, RedLionLad said:

I reckon Steve Cotterill and Gary Johnson are both laughing at this too

I bet they’re both envious of Pearson. 

[Selred]

7 minutes ago, Robbored said:

I bet they’re both envious of Pearson. 

If Wilson, Johnson and Cotts looked back on their time here. 2 will look back with pride for their fantastic achievements, and that 2 wouldn't include Danny Wilson. 

 

[RedLionLad]

16 minutes ago, Robbored said:

I bet they’re both envious of Pearson. 

Having less promotions on his CV, why would they?

[Sleepy1968]

1 hour ago, Logical-City said:

He didn’t even leave any legacy signings or youth, played the best cm in the league (Tinnion) on the left wing at every opportunity and held Leroy Lita in the reserves when he could have secured us 2nd place in 03-04 season if played in certain games 1-1 draws at home to relegated clubs that season stand out .

 

Tinnion was a left back at Newcastle, left of a 3 man midfield at Bradford, and a left sided midfielder for us. Someone who made a Wikipedia edit states that

"He switched from wide on the left flank into the centre of a three-man midfield under new manager Danny Wilson in 2000 and the role often gave him time and space to execute through balls, such was his form in that role that he was voted as the best player in his division."

but I only really ever remember him playing on the left of midfield, and banging over diags for Scotty to run on to.

Anyway, I don't think you can 'blame' Danny Wilson for playing Tins out of position.

As for Leroy Lita, I got the impression that he was a challenge to manage, but him being left out of the play off final really didn't do us any favours.

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Another interesting snippet or two finance wise, on the Off the Pitch projections.

Despite the £100m sale of Grealish, academy player and pure profit, Aston Villa only made an £11m profit. Estimate on the analysis was a £104m profit on disposal of players in all which is mad...underlying loss pre transfer profits but post everything else of £85-95m.

Everton made a loss reportedly of £58m although estimates...if that's true then by my best estimates they woukd have on the face of it exceeded the Upper Limit to 2022, this as per the estimates included the sale of Richarlison!? That is even assuming the legitimate £170m (yeah right!) of Covid allowances and add-backs permitted.

Suggested too that Arsenal made another major loss, £80m maybe. Not read it in depth yet.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous