Ex-Toon Coach Takes Over At Leicester!
Last updated : 21 June 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Nigel Pearson has been told "instant promotion back into the Championship" or he's out on his arse.
And admitting that getting out of League One at the first attempt will not be easy, he could have already put a nail in his coffin.
Chairman Milan Mandaric had made MK Dons boss Paul Ince his first choice but the former England international is set to take over at Blackburn.
Are Leicester fans happy at the appointment? Sadly ... if our emails are a barometer ... not on your Nelly!
Pearson: "I am absolutely delighted to be here. The club has gone through a
very difficult period of its history but it's a fabulous opportunity for me.
"My job now is to get this club back into the Championship.
"The expectation is there and I will deal with that. We need to deliver and we have to drive the club forward.
"I am looking forward to getting stuck into the job because there is a lot of scope for this club to redevelop.
"When clubs go through difficult times people get opportunities and it's up to me to take this one.
"We will take it one step at a time but we have to bounce back at the first opportunity.
"It is a tough league but I do believe that the infrastructure is here and we have the resources to get back up. That is why I am here.
"It's come quickly for me. My last job ended abruptly but that's football and I don't want to dwell on that.
"The last four months at Southampton have been a good experience for me but I've moved on and I'm at a place where I am wanted.
"The demands of the fans are to get straight back into the Championship but unfortunately the realism of the situation is we are where we are.
"I will review everything at the club but ultimately it is about creating a culture here where people want to be successful and get us back to the Championship.
"There needs to be that desire to achieve at the club from the players through to the staff.
"There are no firm decisions made on players' futures at this time.
"I fully expect it to be a difficult season but it's a great challenge for us all."