Nigel Pearson during his time as manager of Bristol City
Nigel Pearson spoke about his neurological situation when in charge at Bristol City
Former Leicester and Watford boss Nigel Pearson has given a tentatively-positive update after a 'neurological situation' forced him to learn how to walk again.
The 61-year-old, who played more than 500 senior games during a length career, moved into management in 1998. He took Leicester City up to the Premier League before making way for title winner Claudio Ranieri, and a Watford spell saw him become one of only three opposition managers to beat champions Liverpool during the 2019-20 campaign.
Most recently, Pearson spent more than two-and-a-half years in charge of Bristol City in the Championship. He left that post in 2023, having spoken about the neurological issue during his time at Ashton Gate.
He had been walking with crutches towards the end of his City spell, opening up on his desire to get the help he needed in one go. Now, he has issued an update to explain the gravity of the situation.
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"I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months," Pearson wrote on social media. "I'd like to update you. Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge. My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound.
"I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time, in Wisconsin. Recently, I've been able to cycle in the Peak District, and swing golf clubs at the driving range, although my follow through needs some work (I've not fallen over yet!).
"Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me that positivity and laughter can prove the best medicine as I experienced with old friends from school on a canal narrow boat on my birthday... there is always light somewhere ahead... new possibilities, new challenges. Take care of each other, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Cheers, Nige."
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Pearson managed stars including Riyad Mahrez at Leicester ( Image: LightRocket via Getty Images)
Back in October 2023, Pearson had shared details of his condition. "It's a neurological situation - but I'm still awaiting further tests to find out what the prognosis is," he said. "The good news from my perspective is all the sinister possibilities, cancer etc, have been ruled out."
"What I don't want to do is prolong it over five, six weeks. "It's just one of those situations where the symptoms that I have don't match the scans in terms of the back, so we have to investigate other areas."
There have been a number of messages of support from the football world, with Pearson's former Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Carlton Palmer saying: "If anybody can beat anything in this world , you can." Pundit and former Lionesses star Anita Asante also offered her support, telling Pearson: "It’s great to see your positivity! You’re a wonderful man and I hope you have a lovely Christmas with all your family and friends."
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