Nigel Pearson reveals his consoling words to Bristol City star in Burnley defeat

Nigel Pearson has revealed what he said to Alex Scott after his substitution in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Burnley, and sent a firm message about the midfielder’s Bristol City future.

Scott was replaced by Joe Williams just after the hour mark at Ashton Gate, after the midfielder gave the ball away cheaply for Burnley’s winner on the day.

Pearson was seen having a close word with the midfielder, and when quizzed post-match on what was said to Scott, Pearson said: “Well done. Well done, don’t worry about it... Look, you can’t expect players to you on a trajectory of success continually.

“In life, we all have to deal with setbacks and disappointment and it’s how you deal with those that ultimately decide how successful you’ll be and how good you are at whatever you do for a living. People like Scotty and Tommy have had really positive impacts on the team, but they’re going to make mistakes because they’re only human beings.

It is no secret that City have several young talents in the same boat as Scott and Conway, who are progressing all at different rates, such as Anis Mehmeti, Omar Taylor-Clark and Sam Bell.

“Our job as staff is to support them and help them negotiate good and bad times,” Pearson added. “When things are going well it’s important to keep players grounded and when things aren’t it’s important to give them support and positive feedback and help them find solutions.

“There’s not a player who’s ever played who hasn’t had either a loss of form or has made mistakes. I don’t judge him for that he’s been brilliant.”

City owner Steve Lansdown spoke to BBC Bristol before the Clarets match, and commented on Scott’s future. There have long been rumours linking the midfielder to the Premier League, with Brighton the most recent team linked with the teenager.

When asked if the match could’ve been Scott’s last at Ashton Gate, Pearson replied: “He’s contracted so he’ll be here unless someone wants to spend a load of dough on him. He’s under contract.”

And when asked whether the potential pressure of him knowing it might’ve been his final home match in red, the manager added: “No I don’t think so. He’s been outstanding in the two full seasons that he slayed. He’s only 19 and he’s played 80-odd games or something, he’s been really really good, everybody’s allowed to make a mistake from time to time.”