The former Derby County and Leicester City manager is reportedly on the shortlist to take over at Middlesbrough.
Former Derby County manager Nigel Pearson
According to a report in Gazette Live, former Middlesbrough captain and former Derby County and Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson is the hot favourite to take over the reigns at the Riverside.
Middlesbrough, who parted ways with long-serving manager Aitor Karanka in March, have been on the search for a new manager for the last few months, and are now likely to pursue someone with a proven track record in the Championship. Despite his awful nine games at Derby County, Pearson’s record at Leicester City appears to have kept him in the picture.
Former Derby County manager Nigel Pearson
With this in mind, HITC Sport have taken a look at three former players, managed under Nigel Pearson, who the former Foxes boss could target if given the Middlesbrough job. Pearson will likely want to mould an unbalanced Middlesbrough squad to fit his counter-attacking style of play, and it could prove to be a busy summer at the Riverside.
Matty James
The English midfielder was a stalwart part of Nigel Pearson’s Leicester City side, but after struggling for game time at Leicester City under Claudio Ranieri, Matty James made the move to Barnsley. Since joining the Tykes, James has proved what a hard-working, battling midfielder he is, and why he was so popular under Pearson. Making 18 appearances and scoring one goal for Barnsley, Matty James’ future at Leicester is unclear, following the end of his loan.
Ikechi Anya
Ikechi Anya was one of Nigel Pearson’s two signings during his short stint at Derby County, and it’s easy to see why. Versatile and hard-working, Ikechi Anya is the kind of player Nigel Pearson favours: someone that will run their socks off for ninety minutes. Able to play as a right-back, left-back or left-winger, Ikechi Anya would offer Middlesbrough cover in a number of positions and would be a positive addition to the dressing room.
Andy King
Leicester City’s Andy King scores
The fan favourite was another key part of Nigel Pearson’s high-achieving Leicester City side. The Welsh international, who can play as an attacking midfielder or more centrally, would add an added flair and skill to Middlesbrough’s midfield, as well as another option for goals from the midfield. Still a popular figure at the King Power, Middlesbrough would likely need to open their wallet to secure Andy King’s signature.
Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson and former assistant Steve Walsh (L)
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