Former Premier League manager Nigel Pearson forced to learn to walk again after 'neurological situation'
Former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson has revealed he had to “learn to walk again” this year due to his “neurological situation”.
The former Bristol City manager was sacked by Ashton Gate bosses last October after losing five of their last seven games, days after expressing his “frustration” at his ongoing health problems.
Pearson, now 61, had been on crutches in his final weeks as Robins boss.
Now, she's opened up about the health journey she's been on over the past year.
Speaking to X on Monday, he wrote: “I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support over the last 13 months.
“I would like to inform you. Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge. My gratitude for the support of family, friends, colleagues, supporters and medical professionals has been profound.”
Despite not knowing what is causing his health problems, Pearson went on to detail the positives that have helped him get through the last 13 months.
“I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to the United States with my dad to meet my family for the first time, in Wisconsin,” he continued.
“Recently I've been able to cycle in the Peak District and swing golf clubs on the driving range, although my tracking needs some work (I haven't fallen yet!).
“Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me positivity and laughter can be the best medicine, as I experienced with old school friends on a narrowboat on my birthday… there is always light somewhere ahead …new possibilities, new challenges.
“Take care of each other and have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.
“Regards, Nige.”
2
After his playing career came to an end in 1998, the former defender turned to management.
He started at Carlisle United, before taking permanent charge of Southampton, Leicester, Hull, Leicester again, Derby, Belgian club OH Leuven, Watford and finally Bristol City.
His longest spells came at Leicester, most notably guiding the Foxes to promotion to the Premier League in 2014.
Pearson was in charge during the 2014/15 season, before being replaced at the end of the campaign by Claudio Ranieri.
Pearson had been the Championship's second-longest serving manager at the time of his sacking at Bristol City.
“I know people know I need a backup operation and that hasn't changed,” he told BBC Radio Bristol just before being fired.
“But that's not really the main problem for me right now. It's a neurological situation, but I'm still waiting for more tests to know what the prognosis is.”
“The good news, from my point of view, is that all the sinister possibilities, cancer, etc., have been ruled out.”
