Pearce: Forest job too good to miss

03 April 2014 13:32

Stuart Pearce would have felt unfulfilled had he not taken the Nottingham Forest job at some point during his managerial career.

The former Forest captain's appointment as manager from July 1 was confirmed on Thursday, with the ex-England full-back the permanent successor to Billy Davies who was sacked last month.

Pearce, who played for Forest for 12 years and had a spell as caretaker boss during the 1996-97 season, turned down the job for personal reasons last week following initial talks.

However, with a club so close to his heart calling for him, the 51-year-old was persuaded to resurrect discussions.

A compromise was reached for him to begin in the role in the summer on a two-year deal and for academy manager Gary Brazil to continue on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Pearce admitted that no other club in the country could have had that effect on him.

Asked if that was the reason for his U-turn, the former England Under-21 manager said: ''I wouldn't call it a U-turn.

''We had discussions last week. At the time I suggested I had so much on in terms of a personal nature and from commercial aspects with work commitments.

''Fawaz then asked me to take charge in the summer and everything seems right.

''I have just signed a contract from July 1. 'This club probably has more of a pull than any club in the country.

''The pride and passion comes way before financial gain. I've represented five professional clubs and I would like to think I've given them good service.

''The honour of coming back into this club is massive.

''By the time I've finished with management if ever I felt I had the opportunity to become manager here and turned it down, then I would not be fulfilled.''

Pearce is a cult hero at the City Ground and will be a popular choice among Forest fans.

The tough-tackling left-back spent the majority of his career with the Reds and twice won the League Cup under Brian Clough.

There is an old adage that you should never go back but Pearce is unconcerned about his standing as a player at the club, insisting it is what he does in the future that really matters.

''What I did as a player is totally irrelevant. I want to make Fawaz very proud of me," he added.

''I want to play a good brand of football and improve the players here. 'In the meantime I will be finalising my backroom team and I will obviously look at watching the team.

''I will have a set of eyes at every match and I will watch all the games on DVD.

''It would need to be seen if it is prudent for me to be at games as Gary Brazil will not want any interference from an incoming manager.

''But this is a big challenge. I want to galvanise this club and drive it forward.''

Brazil has taken charge of first-team affairs for the games against Charlton and Ipswich since Davies' second spell as manager was brought to an end on March 24, losing at home to the Addicks before drawing at Portman Road last weekend.

With seven matches remaining, Forest are currently seventh in the Sky Bet Championship and two points outside the play-off places following a 10-match winless run.

But Pearce believes Brazil and the players are capable of reclaiming a top-six spot and winning promotion.

''I think there is enough quality in this squad to drive into the play-offs - and beyond,'' said Pearce.

''There is an opportunity, we have two home games against Millwall on Saturday and Sheffield Wednesday next midweek to get back in there.''

Source: PA