Nigel Pearson the Steve Jones of Premier League managers. Cheered my day up. It was a stupid question.
"I know how I'll persuade people that Pearson's a good guy: I'll compare him to the biggest **** in British football history."
Yes, cos they had something in common. If someone said Katie Hopkins and Gandhi both breathed oxygen that would be comparing what they had in common. It doesn't mean they're alike in every way.
I don't understand how anyone can defend Pearsons behaviour he comes across as an ignorant arrogant bully in this and many other press briefings.
"Are you flexible enough to put your head in the sand...cos I am" is gonna be my next chat up line for sure.
Express man Ian Baker on being called an OSTRICH by Nigel Pearson I'VE been called many things in my time but being branded an ostrich by a football manager is a new one on me. Leicester boss Nigel Pearson took exception to my request for him to expand on his comment that players have received criticism this season. And the amazing rant that followed criticised me for "having my head in the sand", accusing me of being "stupid" and "very silly" while comparing me to an African wildlife creature. But as a thick-skinned journalist it is water off an ostrich's back! We live in a 24-hour world of social media where every little word is scrutinised. Journalists' disagreements with football personalities happened years ago without YouTube and Twitter but were not reported. I think Nigel is unfortunate that what would have probably not been reported years ago has spread like wildfire today. I'm sure he will look back on the comments this morning and regret them. As journalists you have to follow up statements that are unclear to you. It is your job. Pearson's Leicester side may well have been bottom of the Premier League from November-April but they actually played good football. Colleagues, pundits and opposing managers have been quick to praise the Foxes for their resilience and style of play. Of course plenty of criticism has been received by Pearson for his off-the-field behaviour. But in terms of his players very little indeed. I struggle to remember a side that have been bottom of the table for so long earn so much praise. So to be taken to task for asking a genuine question appears rather bizarre. I actually like Nigel. Away from the media spotlight, he is engaging company, a real man-manager, intelligent guy and the players must love playing under him. I have a lot of time for him. But he appears to hold a new persona when he enters the media room, enjoying the usual innocuous combat with journalists. I'm not sure if I will get an apology from him - I am not expecting one but I will have the grace to accept it if one is offered. But I have no problem putting future questions to him and will carry on doing my job. http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...Baker-reaction-Leicester-Nigel-Pearson-attack
I think Nigel believed if he gave examples, he may have ended up in all sorts of hot water, which has happened before. He would have regarded the continued prompting of the journalist as a deliberate attempt to get Pearson into trouble, hence the hostile treatment.
Nigel Pearson has become an easy target for the media and because he doesnt give them much when ever he does give them something they jump all over it.