Is Nigel Pearson the new Martin O’Neill?

Article by Daniel Stones

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Many Leicester City fans will tell you that the four and a half years under Martin O’Neill were probably the best in Leicester City’s history. His enthusiasm, passion and drive for success was immense. While Leicester City manager O’Neill achieved four consecutive top ten premier league finishes and three league cup finals, of which two were won. These were exciting times to be a Leicester City fan.

Under Nigel Pearson, Leicester City have won two league titles (League One title in 2008-09, Championship 2013-14) and achieved two play-offs in the 4 years under his management. So in trophies alone they are pretty similar, although be it in different competitions.

Both managers have also got an eye for shrewd signings. Under O’Neill the likes of Muzzy Izzet, Neil Lennon, Robbie Savage, Kasey Keller and Steve Guppy were all brought to the club from lower leagues for less than a million each and proved to very good premier league players.

Similarly Pearson has signed Anthony Knockaert, Riyad Mahrez, Chris Wood, Danny Drinkwater and Wes Morgan from abroad, premier league clubs reserves or local rivals for minimal fees and have proved to very good players for the club. Over the next few years it would be fantastic to see these and other current players of Leicester City’s squad become established premier league players.

The man management, never say die attitude and getting the best out of their players also underlines why both managers have seen their teams be successful. Although contrasts can be seen in both managers’ personalities, O’Neill seen on the touchline living and breathing each kick of every game, while Pearson under the current season (2013-14) has preferred to be up in stands watching the game from above calm and collected and letting his coaches instruct from the touchline. They both show an authoritative, disciplinarian aura about themselves building tight knit squads under their stewardship.

Tactically, both managers have their own preferred formations and style of play. Under O’Neill it was 3-5-2 with wing backs, a solid midfield and plenty of goals from set pieces, while under Pearson it’s been predominantly 4-4-2 with more attacking, passing football.

Time will tell if Pearson will become Leicester City’s greatest ever manager, he’s already achieved a lot with his time at City and long may his reign and success continue.

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