The manager of Leicester City has delivered a message to fans and the club following his return as an opposition manager for the first time since departing in 2015.
Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has expressed gratitude to the fans and the club for the kind reception he and his team received during their return to the King Power Stadium.
Saturday’s game against Bristol City was the manager’s first visit to the opposing bench since leaving the club following the great escape season in 2015. Pearson was the previous manager to guide City to promotion from the Championship, and Enzo Maresca is hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Former City midfielders Andy King and Matty James, as well as former physio Dave Rennie, all made their first appearances since leaving the club. All were greeted enthusiastically, with King and James doing a lap of honour following the game.
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On Sunday morning, King, who was obviously moved by the welcome from City fans, sent a poignant message on social media. Pearson has now done the same; the manager was on crutches and hence unable to go across the pitch, but he greeted the audience when his name was sung after the final whistle.
Pearson wrote on X (previously Twitter): “I want to thank the @BristolCity and @LCFC fans for their wonderful support for myself and staff yesterday.” The way #LCFC cared for our family was both generous and respectful. Thank you on behalf of their families from the four of us.”
City won 1-0, with Jamie Vardy netting the game-winning penalty in the second half after Wilfred Ndidi was tripped by Kal Naismith. Maresca’s club now sits atop the Championship table, having won seven of their eight league games this season.
