Bristol City players pay warm tribute to Nigel Pearson after sacking

Bristol City trio Tommy Conway, Andi Weimann and Nahki Wells are the first members of the Robins squad to publically comment on Nigel Pearson’s departure.

The 60-year-old was relieved of his duties as City manager on Sunday afternoon, and a few hours after the immediate dust had settled, Conway and club captain Weimann took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say their goodbyes.

Conway, who was given his debut for the club by Pearson, posted this message: “Thank you, Gaffer. I can’t explain how much it’s meant to me that you gave me my opportunity, thank you. Best of luck in the future.”

Pearson gained a reputation over his two-and-a-half-year stint at the club of always being willing to give young players senior opportunities, and Conway was one of many who benefitted from the managers methods.

The 21-year-old has gone on to play 56 matches for the Robins to date, netting 15 goals and providing five assists in the process.

One player very much at the other end of his career is Weimann. The 32-year-old was made captain during Pearson’s tenure following the departure of Dan Bentley to Wolves and played 103 matches in all competitions under the ex-City boss.

Weimann posted this message: “Thank you for everything gaffer. I have learned so much from working with you over the last 3 years not only as a player but also as a person and a leader.”

Nahki Wells also took to social media to give his thanks to Pearson. Wells is one of just a few players who was present for the entirity of Pearson’s reign at BS3, and the Bermudan featured more times that any other player during the manager’s time in charge.

Wells played 113 matches over four seasons for Pearson, contributing 31 goals and assists, and posted a picture of the two of them on his Instagram story with the caption: “Thank you, gaffer.”

More members of the squad will likely share their own goodbye messages to the popular figure, as City’s search for a new manager gets underway.