Former Leicester and Watford boss Nigel Pearson has given a tentatively-positive update after a ‘neurological situation’ forced him to learn how to walk again
Nigel Pearson has offered a cautiously optimistic health update after battling a ‘neurological situation’ that meant he had to relearn how to walk.
The 61-year-old racked up more than 500 appearances in his playing career for Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, before he transitioned into management in 1998. His tenure at Leicester saw them ascend to the Premier League before he handed over the reins to future champion Claudio Ranieri, while at Watford he became the first manager to defeat Jurgen Klopp‘s title-winning Liverpool side in the 2019-20 season.
Pearson’s latest managerial stint was with Bristol City, which came to an end in 2023. During this period at Ashton Gate, he opened up about his neurological struggles. Towards the end of his time with the Championship side, he was using crutches and had spoken candidly about seeking comprehensive medical assistance. Pearson has now taken to social media to share his progress and acknowledge the gravity of his experiences.
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“I would like to thank all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months,” Pearson shared. “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,” reports the Mirror.“I had the fantastic chance to travel to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time, in Wisconsin. 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. Take care of each other, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Cheers, Nige.”Back in October 2023, Pearson had opened up about his health condition. “It’s a neurological situation – but I’m still awaiting further tests to find out what the prognosis is,” he revealed. “The good news from my perspective is all the sinister possibilities, cancer etc, have been ruled out.
“What I don’t want to do is prolong it over five, six weeks. “It’s just one of those situations where the symptoms that I have don’t match the scans in terms of the back, so we have to investigate other areas.”There has been an outpouring of support from the football community, with Pearson’s ex-Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Carlton Palmer stating: “If anybody can beat anything in this world , you can.”Meanwhile, pundit and former Lionesses star Anita Asante also reached out, telling Pearson: “It’s great to see your positivity! You’re a wonderful man and I hope you have a lovely Christmas with all your family and friends.”