Stuart Pearce
The best Psycho since Hitchcock
| Full name: | Stuart Pearce |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: | April 24, 1962 |
| Clubs played for: | Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, West Ham, Manchester City |
| Clubs managed: | Nottingham Forest, Manchester City |
Club Career
A courageous competitor and tough-tackling defender, Stuart Pearce is one of the most loyal and popular players to have ever represented Nottingham Forest. Nicknamed 'Psycho' for his no-nonsense approach and commitment to the cause, Pearce was an inspirational captain as well as a set-piece specialist, whose powerful left foot scored many a free-kick, delivered many a left-wing cross and left many an opponent clutching an ankle.
Pearce spent 12 years at the City Ground after arriving from Coventry, and acted as player-caretaker manager in his final season at the club, before leaving for spells at Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City.
Club Stats
| Years | Clubs | App | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-85 | Coventry | 52 | 4 |
| 1985-97 | Nottingham Forest | 401 | 63 |
| 1997-99 | Newcastle | 37 | 1 |
| 1999-2001 | West Ham | 42 | 2 |
| 2001-02 | Manchester City | 38 | 3 |
International Career
Pearce took over the left-back position from Kenny Sansom in 1987 and remained an England regular for 12 years, appearing in the 1990 World Cup and two European Championships. He famously missed a penalty in the shoot-out against Germany at Italia 90 but made amends at Euro 96, scoring in two shoot-outs against Spain and Germany.
International Career Stats
| Years | Clubs | App | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-99 | England | 78 | 5 |
Managerial Career
In 2005, Pearce stepped up from his role as Manchester City coach to succeed Kevin Keegan as manager. He made a promising start, but after two mediocre seasons, he was fired. He remains in football, as assistant to Fabio Capello with the England national team, and coach of the England Under-21 team, leading them to the final of the European Championship in 2009.
Key Games
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham (FA Cup final, May 18, 1991)
Although a personal disaster for Paul Gascoigne, who was taken off on a stretcher early on with knee ligament damage, the Wembley showpiece started perfectly for Forest, who took the lead on 16 minutes thanks to Pearce’s powerful free-kick. However, Paul Stewart’s equaliser and a Des Walker own goal in extra-time put paid to Psycho’s best chance of winning the FA Cup.
England 1-1 West Germany (West Germany won 5-4 on penalties, World Cup semi-final, July 4, 1990)
One of the most famous matches in the history of England football, Pearce had helped the team reach the last four and then to produce an excellent performance in the 1-1 draw with West Germany. The Germans held their nerve in the subsequent penalty shoot-out with Pearce’s penultimate spot-kick saved by Bodo Illgner while Chris Waddle skied his attempt into the Turin night. Pearce’s tears reflected his whole-hearted nature and the pain of a watching nation.
England 0-0 Spain (England won 4-2 on penalties, European Championship quarter-final, June 22, 1996)
There was little to choose between the two sides in this dramatic last eight clash at Wembley. Spain had seen two goals disallowed for offside while England created numerous chances to win the match. Another shoot-out beckoned and, despite the agony of 1990, Pearce insisted on taking one of the penalties. Before 75,000 home fans, Psycho laid his demons to rest by burying the third spot-kick and unleashing a war cry that remains an enduring image of the tournament.
Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | League Cup | 1989, 1990 |
| Manchester City | First Division Championship | 2001-02 |
Did You Know...?
In 1998, Pearce was involved in a serious car crash. The vehicle he was driving was crushed by a dustcart that overturned and landed on top of it. Pearce saved himself by ducking at the last moment to avoid being hit by the truck as the roof caved in. He escaped with minor hand injuries and a stiff back.
Pearce broke his leg in a challenge with Micah Hyde while playing for West Ham against Watford in 1999. Hammers manager Harry Redknapp revealed afterwards that Pearce kept his boot on at half-time because he wanted to go out for the second half.
Pearce is a trained electrician and advertised his services in the Forest matchday programme during his early days at the City Ground.
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