Ex-Premier League boss learns to walk again after 'neurological situation'

The former Bristol City manager was sacked by Ashton Gate chiefs last October having lost five of his last seven matches, days after expressing his 'frustrations' with his ongoing health issues.

Pearson, now 61 years old, had been on crutches in his final weeks as Robins boss.

Now, he's opened up on his health journey he's been on over the last year.

Taking to X on Monday, he wrote: "I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months.

"I'd like to update you. Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge. My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound."

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Despite not knowing what is causing his health problems, Pearson went on to detail the positives that had got him through the last 13 months.

"I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time, in Wisconsin," he continued.

"Recently, I've been able to cycle in the Peak District, and swing golf clubs at the driving range, although my follow through needs some work (I've not fallen over yet!)

"Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me that positivity and laughter can prove the best medicine as I experienced with old friends from school on a canal narrow boat on my birthday… there is always light somewhere ahead… new possibilities, new challenges.

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"Take care of each other, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.

"Cheers, Nige."

After his playing career came to an end in 1998, the former defender turned to management.

He began at Carlisle United, before taking permanent charge of Southampton, Leicester, Hull, Leicester again, Derby, Belgian club OH Leuven, Watford and finally, Bristol City.

His longest spells came at Leicester, most notably guiding the Foxes to promotion to the Premier League in 2014.

Pearson was in charge for the 2014/15 season, before being replaced at the end of the campaign by Claudio Ranieri.

Pearson had been the second-longest-serving manager in the Championship at the time of his sacking at Bristol City.

"I know people know that I need a back op and that hasn't changed," he told BBC Radio Bristol just before he was dismissed.

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"But that's not really the main problem for me at the minute. It's a neurological situation - but I'm still awaiting further tests to find out what the prognosis is.

"The good news from my perspective is all the sinister possibilities, cancer etc, have been ruled out."