Stuart Pearce: Nottingham Forest boss 'faces hardest test'

Pearce was a hugely popular player at Nottingham Forest, scoring 89 goals in 12 years

Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce says the team's slump represents the toughest time in his coaching career.

Forest have not won in eight games following Saturday's 2-0 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, dropping to 13th in the Championship table.

Pearce told BBC East Midlands Today: "It is probably the hardest period of my management and coaching career. I'd be lying if I said that's not the case.

"But all through my career, whenever adversity comes it makes me stronger."

The Reds have won just twice in 20 games in all competitions, losing their last four matches and bowing out of the FA Cup to League Two side Rochdale.

And the pressure has been building on Pearce, amid intense speculation that the former Manchester City and England Under-21s boss will be sacked.

But the 52-year-old, who received a standing ovation in the third minute of the game against the Owls, has said he has the skin of a rhino and can deal with any criticism that comes his way.

"All of us at the football club are very depressed with the results," Pearce said.

"But we have to make sure we don't go hiding. We have to front up and make sure we are prepared to work through this.

"I never worry about my future because I have no ego. I will give the job everything I have got. This club needs stability - that's for sure.

"Do I think I will be successful however long it takes? Yes I do.

"I am confident that I will deliver results for this football club eventually, however long it takes."

Pearce took over as manager in the summer and led Forest to the top of the Championship table after seven games before the team's form tailed off.

"If the owner decides I am not the man for the job, I will wish him well, move on and will still have a soft spot for Nottingham Forest in my heart, and always will do," he added.

"But I don't think he is that way inclined. I think he sees all the good that goes on around the football club. But the only thing that matters on any given day is the result."