‘Ship has sailed’ - Bristol City boss dismisses links with Leicester City job

Nigel Pearson has rejected any suggestion that he would depart Bristol City for his former club Leicester City after the job became available this week.

The Robins boss was listed as one of the favourites for the Foxes job after they parted company with Brendan Rodgers earlier this week. Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been installed as the new favourite, whilst Graham Potter, recently made out of work after his sacking at Chelsea is also a contender.

The 59-year-old had two spells at the King Power Arena, winning promotion from League One in 2009 before returning to guide them to the Premier League. Pearson assembled a large part of the Leicester side that won the Premier League, signing Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.

He is still highly thought of by fans of Leicester, and has taken several of their players to his current club. Andy King and Matty James played under him, whilst he also had Dave Rennie on his coaching staff during his time in the Midlands.

When asked about the links he responded: “I’ve managed them twice, I’ve managed King Powers team in Belgium too. I really enjoyed working for them. The ship has sailed and I’m really happy to be here doing the job that I am doing here.”

Pearson has almost completed the second of his three years he penned back in April 2021, succeeding Dean Holden on a short-term basis in February before being given a three-year deal. He was asked about a new contract in March, but as of yet no discussions have been held about him extending his stay.

Before being appointed at Ashton Gate, he managed Belgian outfit Oud-Heverlee Leuven, also owned by the ownership group that runs Leicester City. He has encouraged the Premier League strugglers to look elsewhere and hinted that looking at him, may not be the best option.

He added: “They will be looking to make a progression from where they are now. Revisiting things from the past isn’t always the way forward, let’s be honest. I’m fully committed to what I am doing here it is as simple as that.”