Axe falls on Pearce
14 May 2007 - 16:09:31
Manchester City have sacked Stuart Pearce after enduring a disappointing season in which they scored only ten home Premiership goals, the worst record in the history of top-flight football.
Pearce was appointed caretaker manager in March 2005 following Kevin Keegan's shock exit after enjoying a spell with the club as a coach and was made permanent boss after guiding the club to a strong finish.
Pearce has had little money to spend during his time at Eastlands but some of the signings he did make including Bernardo Corradiand Georgios Samaras have attracted criticism.
After flirting with relegation this term, City eventually finished 14th despite a dismal home record which saw them fail to score in their last eight Premiership games at Eastlands, since beating Everton 2-1 on New Year's Day.
The former England international previously had a spell in charge of Nottingham Forest.
Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told the club's official website: "The board of directors would like to thank Stuart for his hard work and service during his six years here at Manchester City and wish him well for the future."