Pearce sacked by Man City
Stuart Pearce may now concentrate on his role as England under-21 manager
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Monday, 14, May 2007 09:59
Manchester City have parted company with manager Stuart Pearce with immediate effect.
The former England left-back was widely expected to leave Eastlands after a disappointing season with the Manchester club and City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh today confirmed the decision.
"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," Mackintosh said.
Pearce, 45, is also manager of England under-21s and is likely to take on that role full-time following today's sacking.
City finished 14th in the Premiership this season, having at one stage been at risk of relegation.
But the pressure has increased upon their young manager over his side's inability to find the net, with the beleaguered home supporters only treated to ten league goals at the City of Manchester Stadium all season.
In total City only scored 29 Premiership goals – the joint lowest record in the league alongside bottom club Watford – and whoever succeeds Pearce will make a goalscorer his first priority.
Former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has been linked with the City job, while Paul Jewell may also be in the frame after quitting as Wigan boss earlier in the day.
There is even the possibility that former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson may become the club's new head coach after making public his desire for a return to management.