Nigel Pearson, the former Leicester and Watford boss, came to DMU on Friday – and told third year Sports Journalism students that you can’t judge a manager solely on what happens in front of the TV cameras.
Bradley Huxter, third year DMU Journalism and English joint honours student, was there.
It was meant to be a one hour guest lecture. But it ended up being double that.
Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has never been one for restraint, and with an eager audience full of questions, he wasn't short of talk.
The experienced manager, who recently departed Watford despite steering them away from the Premier League bottom three last season, told students about his life, his career and his exploits in football – in front of, and away from, the camera.
He also told them that trust and integrity were every bit as important as their writing talent if they wanted to make it as a journalist.
The 57-year-old was honest and reflective and the two-hour session ended in a rapturous round of applause from the appreciative young sports journalists.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it and there were some very testing questions,” the 57-year-old said after the session. “I like that, though. It’s good to speak to future sports journalists and I like to give something back. I hope to be back in person next time!”
In the class, Nigel Pearson spoke to dispel some of the stereotypes that some football fans might have of him.
“I know that Youtube clips of press conferences is what people can often associate with me and think it’s who I am,” he said. “But a few high-profile moments are never going to tell the full story.”
On the contrary, Pearson described himself as laid-back, friendly, and actually “quite a quiet and private person.” It’s not really possible for any quiet side to come across when you’re the subject of a Q&A, but his relaxed and personable attributes certainly came over in this session.
Student asked him what he thought made a good football journalist. He said being able to establish trust was vital. “There is a co-dependent relationship that exists between football and the media. The two exist side by side. And it’s a two-way street,” he said.
Pearson, who has also managed Hull and Derby, pointed out that clubs benefitted from the media spotlight and a canny manager should be able to use that to show fans – and players – direction and leadership.
“You can say things in front of the press to send messages to your fans – and your players. They listen to what is said behind closed doors, of course, - but I know they also pay attention to what their managers say publicly, too,” he said.
Pearson was quick to mention one drawback of this, however. “It does also mean that they might take the mickey out of you if you have a run-in with a journalist,” he said, with a smirk.
He also talked of being angered by some articles he felt were unfair – but being mature enough to let them go and move on. “I try to be present at home and leave work at work. I’m notoriously difficult to get hold of because I leave my phone on silent,” he said. “You have to know when to leave it behind.”
Pearson also spoke of having hobbies and interests that allowed him to disconnect from football altogether.
“I’m a few years older now, and I’m quite relaxed with the media. I respect the ones that are well-prepared and well-read. I can identify those ones with ease,” he said.
“I’ve always said I can respect those who ask difficult questions, as long as they come from a place of integrity and good intention. That’s the important part, I think.”
Posted on Friday 12 February 2021