Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce came under attack less than 24 hours after he was named as the temporary England coach.
Not content with digging around and raking for the skeletons in Stuart Pearce’s closet, they went searching in his family’s too.
But are the political beliefs of Pearce’s brother in any way relevant to the new coach’s ability to do the job at hand?
As a journalist who has shifted on the nationals, I am fully aware of the competitive environment in which they work. But there has to be a point where they toe the line?
With the ongoing Leveson inquiry currently investigating the standards in the British press, you might think the papers would tread carefully. Not in this case.
In case anyone hasn’t seen it, I am talking about the ‘scoop’ in the Mail about Stuart Pearce’s brother’s BNP links, and the digging up of an old racial abuse claim against him, placed on the front page of The Sun no less. Sure I can see how they think its topical with all the John Terry allegations, but seriously?
Its about as relevant as Emile Heskey’s thoughts on being a world class striker.
In doing this the press have sent out a warning, intentional or not, to any future England manager.
Whatever you or your family have done in the past is fair game.
No wonder Luiz Scolari turned down the job before it was even offered his way.
No wonder it is the job that nobody wants.
image: © stella gonzales
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
