Pearson's 'incredible challenge' to walk again

Pearson had been using crutches to walk for a number of weeks towards the end of his Bristol City tenure

Former Leicester City and Watford manager Nigel Pearson has said "learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge" after revealing he was dealing with a "neurological situation" last year.

The 61-year-old said he was waiting for more tests to diagnose the health issue in October 2023 shortly before he was sacked as Bristol City manager.

Pearson posted an update of his condition on social media as he thanked "all the kind people who have continued to send their support during the last 13 months".

He added: "Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge.

"My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound.

"I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling 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."

Pearson's first job in management was at Carlisle United and he was in charge of the club when they famously stayed in the Football League on the final day of the 1998-99 season thanks to an injury-time winner from goalkeeper Jimmy Glass.

He went on to manage Leicester and, in his second spell in charge, led them into the Premier League in 2014 and, despite the Foxes being bottom at Christmas in the top flight during the following campaign, he guided them to survival after a run of seven wins and one draw in their final nine games.