Leicester City stars asked if they want Nigel Pearson to make a sensational return to replace Claudio Ranieri
The response was so positive that controversial Pearson could be back in charge in the next few days
LEICESTER stars have been asked if they want Nigel Pearson to make a sensational return as boss.
And the response was so positive that controversial Pearson could be back in charge in the next few days.
The Foxes’ Thai owners quizzed senior players on how they felt about having him back in the dugout, having brutally axed title-winner Claudio Ranieri on Thursday.
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Pearson, 53, saved Leicester from relegation in 2014-15 and remains popular inside the King Power dressing room.
His old backroom staff Craig Shakespeare and Mike Stowell will be in charge for tomorrow’s home clash against Liverpool.
But the fact that the club’s owners, who turned up at the training ground yesterday, are willing to consider Pearson is a shock.
When they axed him in summer 2015 they cited “fundamental differences in perspective exist between us”.
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He was involved in high-profile incidents, including calling a journalist an ‘ostrich’ and rucking with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur.
Pearson’s son James was also one of three players sacked by Leicester for their part in a racist sex tape while on a tour in Thailand.
But Leicester dropped into the bottom three yesterday for the first time this season and the Thai chiefs are willing to forgive and forget as they look for harmony among the players to help them beat the drop.
Roberto Mancini is also seen as an option but Leicester will have to fork out £6million a season to land the ex-Manchester City boss.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Guus Hiddink is being considered and ex-England manager Roy Hodgson’s name has been mentioned.
Keeper Kasper Schmeichel, one of the stars at loggerheads with Ranieri, claimed yesterday that the players did not get him the boot.
He said: “I’m upset about these reports. It’s absolutely ridiculous to think any player in any squad has that type of influence and power.”
And striker Jamie Vardy posted on Instagram: “There is speculation I was involved in his dismissal and this completely untrue, unfounded and is extremely hurtful!
“The only thing we are guilty of as a team is under-achieving which we all acknowledge.”