Nigel Pearson

Milan Mandaric, a wonderful eccentric 87-year-old, young at heart and soul man, has sadly died this week. Milan was a man I admired, liked hugely, worked for and with, and came across when our professional connection ended. He had a boyish and never-ending youthful outlook on football, and insatiable impatience for success and satisfaction... his love of being included in conversations about absolutely everything or anything, his love of winning, doing a deal, arguing a case, being valued and loved. He gave me an opportunity, when many wouldn't. The 2008/09 season, when we were promoted as champions, back to the Championship, the fun we had, the friendships we made, the lasting football connections made and developed, is still without doubt my favourite season of my long career. Goodbye, dear Milan...you were a singular force I couldn’t help loving, even when I didn't want to... but let me tell everyone, he taught me how to never be satisfied, to strive for better even when you think the ceiling was reached. He could always make me smile, even when I was furious with his unreasonable demands. I'm smiling now while writing this... So long, Columbo xx

The news of Susan Whelan leaving Leicester City has come as a huge shock and surprise to me. Her contribution to the incredible rise and success of the football club as a business and sporting operation is absolutely in no doubt. But vitally, as most managers like myself would recognise and discover, some of her best, meaningful and important work, from my own experience, was done during difficult and turbulent times. Her business skillset, her strength of personality, directness and ability to make tough decisions during stress is unrivalled, in my experience. When we first met at an interview, her presence and strength was very clear, but importantly her understanding of her role and place was crystal clear to me. Her loyalty to Khun Vichai and the whole Srivaddhanaprabha family was set in stone. She was literally King Power’s ‘safe pair of hands’ during the earlier period of their wonderful Leicester City adventure. Mine, along with Craig and Steve's understanding of how to hopefully find the right way to communicate with our new bosses was constantly reviewed via the feedback, care and assistance of Susan's contribution to our professional relationship. She never abused this authority as the conduit to the owners. This is not always the case, as I’ve experienced at other clubs. The understanding of cultural nuances is pivotal to achieving a successful and meaningful relationship, and her advice to me, in relation to this, is something I cherish. I have both learned, and in turn passed on, that advice and help to others I've experienced and encountered in life. Susan and I both being, let's say, ‘of a strong will and mind’ have crossed swords, and we still both now when we occasionally meet, reminisce over some of these encounters. But one of her watchwords ‘compromise’ is etched in my brain! I remember one colossal disagreement when she was away on holiday with Robbie, and I was nearly home in the car at Chesterfield roundabout, on hands free, lights on red... I looked across, mid-expletive, and the woman in the car adjacent to me just looked at me with her mouth wide open 😂. When Susan and I met next we laughed, apologised and shared a glass of wine. We are both cut from the same cloth... desperate to succeed, strong-minded, but both recognised we were just cogs in a machine and wanted the best for the club and business. Our fondness and respect for each other has never waned, even though as she has discovered, the journey always has an endpoint, even if you don't want it to. I am proud to have managed both King Power clubs, been sacked at both, had personal and family heartache with departure, which has been difficult for us to overcome, but I've always counted on the integrity and honesty of Susan Whelan, someone Leicester City would not have achieved and navigated the choppy waters of this wonderful sport without. Good luck Susan, you’ve been a brilliant colleague, boss, ally and friend. Love to you and Robbie from us all. The Leicester City family will truly miss you and your wonderful wisdom and love. Cheers and love, Nige x

Returned from travelling to hear the terrible news of Matt Beard's death... shocking and tragic news. My thoughts and love to his family... Great guy, great company, and always loved watching him coach... an absolute natural with brilliant delivery... Sorry we didn't get a chance to chat, Nige xxx

Last night, I spent time at an event in London, with my friends from @NujumSports, dedicated to the plight of the children of Gaza. All three players (@HamzaChoudhury1, @elghazi1995 and @sammorsy08) spoke with a thoughtful calmness about their own passions and beliefs, which hugely impressed me. Thank you to Ebs and his team.

I would like to pass my sincere condolences to Uriah Rennie's family and friends... a man who stood tall and broke incredible boundaries. Uriah was a really great bloke to spend time with, too. I once shared a car journey back to Sheffield with him after a game. Good memories, even if we didn't agree on decisions!

A sincere thanks to all the staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital for looking after me post my recent op, which means I can now look forward to being at @vardy7's historic last appearance for @LCFC tomorrow, with family, friends and former colleagues, and for once the word 'Legend' is actually appropriate! Congratulations, Mr Vardy. #LCFC

Sending my sincere condolences to Chic Bates' family and friends on hearing yesterday of his death after a long fight with dementia. Chic was a teammate, then manager of mine, in my early years at Shrewsbury Town in the 1980s and was a fierce competitor, but a kind man.

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Making progress... been out in the Dark Peak, a place of beauty I never tire of being in... real food for the soul. Thank you all for your kind well-wishes. Cheers, Nige. X

Looking forward to the new year, when I think we always look for fresh hopes, expectations and dreams, this quote a friend and ex-colleague of mine once shared with me, sticks with me. It's a beautiful quote by an inspirational and strong woman, which reminds us to treat others with care and respect. Wishing you a healthy and happy 2025. Cheers, Nige. X

I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months. 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

@jennbutterworth I thought you were both brilliant... worth the trip from Sheff... and listened to your stuff already. Good luck with the release.

@NigelGPearson Thanks so much for coming along!

Saw Bella Hardy at the Stables Milton Keynes last night, accompanied by @jennbutterworth... excellent performers indeed! Loved it. Cheers, Nige.

I learned yesterday that Henri Kumps, the "Pressy" (President), has died. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, all at @OHLeuven and the wider Leuven football community who have appreciated his considerable contribution. A much loved and respected influence and presence at OHL for many years, he will be sorely missed by all with his dry and wry sense of humour... Bon voyage Henri...

Devastating to hear the terrible news of Sol's death today... A truly wonderful man whose inner strength in fighting his health issues and warmth and desire to help others was typical of this caring man. Rest well, my friend xx

When my friends visited Leuven.

It's difficult to put into words how I, and indeed everyone who came across or worked with Craig, will feel on hearing such devastating news. He was without hesitation one of the most wonderfully talented, emotionally understanding, calm, balanced and outrageously funny people I've had the privilege of calling my friend. Safe journey to the next destination my wonderful friend. You are loved and admired by us all, and every time we think of you, a smile, smirk, chuckle or memorable occasion will come to us. We truly are the lucky ones for having known Shakey.

I feel very lucky to have been at Lilleshall on Friday with so many friends and colleagues from my days working at The FA, to celebrate the life of Craig Simmons who died in May. His influence on my career, and on the development and lives of so many players and coaches, is immeasurable.

A belated congrats to two members of our family, Alfie Butler @alfbutts, a great listen on Virgin Pride, and Ben Williams @Benedicte_W, Girls PDG Coach Lead at England Rugby. Brilliant news. Our own type of pride in both of you in your new roles, love Nige xxxx