Hull City boss names the one Bristol City player that impressed him

Hull City manager Liam Rosenior says Bristol City are playing in Nigel Pearson’s image as he hailed one Robins player in particular after the 1-0 defeat to his former club at Ashton Gate.

The 38-year-old returned to the club where he started his career at, managing against them for the first time in his coaching journey. He was a player in 2002 and despite only a short period, he scored the decisive goal to earn the Robins their EFL Trophy win in 2003.

Rosenior oversaw a narrow defeat to City, who stretched their unbeaten run to 12 matches thanks to a Nahki Wells penalty. The Hull boss did not think it was a penalty but admitted his team did not lose because of the decision. Rosenior was gracious in defeat and focused mainly on his sides shortcomings rather than focus on the decisive penalty decision.

He was complimentary of the winning manager Pearson as well as their young superstar Alex Scott. Scott managed to avoid a booking, which would avoid him from missing next week’s Severnside Derby with Cardiff City, as did fellow midfielder Joe Williams.

"Credit to Bristol, Nigel’s done really well, he’s got a team now that is in his image. I know him well. I thought young Alex Scott is an outstanding player but what he played with was energy. They pressed us and chased lost causes, we didn’t today. it’s the reason we come at a narrow defeat but a deserved one.

"It’s always nice to come back, it’s a wonderful football club. I think Nigel is doing a really good job. Obviously not at our expense but it pleases me to see one of my old clubs do well."

Pearson was the man who brought Rosenior to Hull for his first spell back in 2010. He was signed from Reading, and Pearson was in charge of the Tigers, who were trying to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking despite financial difficulties.

In his one and only full season on Humberside, Pearson led them to an 11th-placed finish, and just a few months into the 2011/12 season, he rejoined former club Leicester City, where he led them to the Championship title and Premier League survival.

Despite only a year-and-a-half working with Pearson, Rosenior has used several methods of his mentor. Pearson has overseen 500 games in management and overseen numerous clubs, whilst this is Rosenior’s second job in management after managing Derby County.

Asked if Pearson had inspired him in any way, Rosenior responded: "Loads, his man management is really good, he’s got really good core values in the way that he works and what he expects from his team which is to try their best.

"It was what he was asking for me to do all that time ago and that is what I ask my players to give everything. Credit to him he’s turned it around and he’s managed to get some really good players in to suit his style in the January window I wish him all the best."