Nigel Pearson: Bristol City sack former Carlisle United boss

The 60-year-old has been dismissed by Championship club Bristol City.

The Robins made the decision after their 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City on Saturday.

Pearson had been manager at Ashton Gate since February 2021 but now leaves City in 15th position in the second tier.

The club insisted it had been a tough call to axe Pearson, whose first managerial role came at Carlisle back in 1998/99 - the season which famously ended with Jimmy Glass's legendary goal.

Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown said in a statement: “This was a difficult decision to make as we recognise and appreciate how much Nigel has done for the club over the past two-and-a-half years on and off the pitch.

“Nigel is highly respected by the staff and players and has been very supportive of the academy structure and our women’s team.

“We all wanted Nigel to achieve our ambition to be promoted but, with our recent results, feel that now is the time to make a change to give the club the best possible chance of success.”

Pearson's assistant Curtis Fleming is in caretaker charge, with first-team coach Jason Euell and head of medical performance Dave Rennie also leaving the club.

The City squad includes former United players George Tanner, Nahki Wells and Duncan Idehen.

Pearson was in charge at Carlisle in 1998/99 at the start of his managerial career (Image: Mike Scott)

Pearson was famously in charge at Carlisle in the final months of the 98/99 season which culminated in Glass's iconic goal against Plymouth Argyle.

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough defender waved Glass forward for the injury-time corner which saw the goalkeeper score the goal that saved United from relegation to non-league.

Pearson left United after that campaign and has since managed Southampton, Leicester City, Hull City, Derby County, Watford, Bristol City and Belgian side OH Leuven.

He was a colleague of current Blues boss Paul Simpson for a spell at Ashton Gate.