‘Terrible decision. Utter joke.’ - Bristol City supporters react to Nigel Pearson sacking

Bristol City have confirmed that Nigel Pearson has departed the club with immediate effect, following the Robins’ Severnside derby defeat to Cardiff City.

The club made a statement on Sunday afternoon where they thanked Pearson for his positive work over his two-and-a-half year stay and also announced the departures of Jason Euell and Dave Rennie. Curtis Fleming will take temporary control as first team manager while the club seek a permanent appointment.

Pearson took charge at BS3 in February 2021, and prior to his departure, was the second longest serving manager in the EFL Championship.

The Robins have lost five of their last eight matches, but their plethora of senior injuries have no doubt played a big part in that.

Despite their patchy form over Pearson’s tenure, the manager undertook some stellar off the pitch business in terms of finances and no doubt improved the overall quality and value of his squad.

Here’s how Bristol City fans reacted to the news of Pearson’s departure on Twitter...

@DoIIymarie:

“An absolute and utter joke of a decision. Such a terrible way to treat the man who has done his level best, with no money, having his best players sold, and a very long list of injured players throughout that.”

@MertBrown:

“A truly terrible decision. Has reduced the wage bill significantly, been forced to sell our best players, not given the funds to replenish the squad a shocking injury list and he still kept us competitive in a tough league. What does the club expect from him?”

@LiamLester17:

“Never going to get promoted if you refuse to invest money from selling our best players. Left him having to play a derby game with a bench full of kids and a 17 year old in the starting lineup. Terrible decision”

@Meelair:

“Thank you for everything. In my eyes you did a fantastic job. Sacked for something that isn’t realistic or achievable when you sell your best players and reduce the wage bill and squad so dramatically.”

@MarkH0794:

“Horrific how the club are treating the fans over this…fans have been here and supported Nige through it all and no communication- no fans wanted him gone and have been fully behind him- hope there is something huge lined up!”

@kayyhalee

“Awful decision from our club. We just seem to be a selling club, with no real ambition to pus ur club above the championship. The issue is much deeper and hope Pearson knows this was not a decision us fans would have chosen.”

@ELJones95

“Nige, thank you for genuinely caring & wanting the best for our club. You have been dealt bad cards by the owners and sadly I don’t know what more you could have done with what you were given. Sending best wishes to you in repsect of your health. Gutted it didn’t work out.”

@georgehowe23

“Was never a big fan of NP although I can apreciate the job he did under the circumstances. Not convinced he’d of kicked us on past mid table but would have merited him having the rest of this season. Clearly been a lot going on behind the scenes of late. Who do we turn to now?”

@will_totheleft

“For once I agree with everyone else. To manage down our outgoings and dealt with the debt whilst not slipping in the league was an extraordinary effort from Pearson. This is a dangerous, dangerous moment ro roll the dice. Coul go brilliantly, could go very badly wrong.”

Ex-Millwall boss Gary Rowett, John Eustace and Dean Smith and are a few of the names circulating as to who could succeed Pearson, and only time will tell whether the club have made the correct decision.