DERBY MANAGER NIGEL Pearson left the struggling Championship club by “mutual consent” on Saturday, less than two weeks after he was suspended following reports of a row with the owner.
Former Charlton and Huddersfield boss Chris Powell, who played for Derby in the 1990s, is the early favourite to replace Pearson after stepping in as caretaker following the suspension.
“Derby County Football Club can today confirm that they have mutually agreed to part company with Nigel Pearson with immediate effect,” a statement read.
“As a result of the mutual termination of Nigel Pearson’s employment agreement with Derby County any disciplinary process has now ceased.
“The board of Derby County will now turn their attention to appointing a new manager as soon as possible and expect to announce a successor in a timely fashion.”
Former Leicester manager Pearson, 53, joined Derby on a three-year contract during the close season and was expected to mount a strong challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
However, Derby made a disappointing start to the campaign and currently sit in 20th place in the table with just two wins from their 11 games.
Pearson strongly criticised his players following a recent 2-1 defeat at Blackburn, saying they were “paralysed by fear”.
He had been suspended since 27 September following a meeting with Rams owner Mel Morris that reportedly ended in a bitter argument.
In a statement released via the League Managers’ Association, Pearson said: “Although disappointed that my tenure at Derby County has come to an abrupt and premature end, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues who supported me during my short time at the club.
I was suspended by the club last week. The speculation in some areas of the media has not made the separation a smooth one and my suspension period has been difficult for both myself and family.
“I can confirm that I have not been made the subject of any disciplinary action.
“I would like to wish the club and its supporters success moving forward.”
The news comes just 15 months after Pearson was sacked by Leicester despite the coach helping the club survive a relegation battle, with the Foxes subsequently going on to win the Premier League in his absence.
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Always a shame if any top players miss the World Cup
He’ll be a big loss for England in the World Cup if he doesn’t make it. He’s the best loosehead in the world for my money. His scrummaging is top class and he’s not only a big ball carrier but also a good link man for any team he plays with.
Would be a massive loss for England
Class player at the top of his game. Hopefully back on track for the World Cup.
I wonder if Joe Marler is reconsidering his retirement.
@James Daly: Highly doubtful. He didn’t retire because he wasn’t starting.
@Peter McCarthy: yes I agree , he would find it hard to justify such a backtrack on how difficult it was in international camp , preseasons etc away from the family etc. Returning to the England squad would mean pretty much four months away from home . I don’t think he’d be interested in doing that again.
I believe T Furlong is the best L/H in the world:: He has dropped back over the last couple of months but by the time the World Cup is on he will be back up to his Best standard of the last 3 years !! IMO
@Martin Quinn: He’s a tighthead
@Martin Quinn: you’re Alzheimer’s is kicking in you old buffoon. My pet hamster could tell me tadhg is a tight head and mako is a loosehead. You are struggling with basic arithmetic confusing 1s & 3s. Very worrying stuff indeed. Perhaps it’s best if you were to stop embarrassing yourself and stop posting but on the other hand it’s highly entertaining almost like a more ignorant and even less intelligent George Hook.
@John Carey: No need for that