‘Psycho’ tag a thing of the past for new Pearce

STEVE CHETTLE reckons the management game has changed old Nottingham Forest pal Stuart Pearce completely.

The pair played alongside each other in the Forest defence for a decade before Pearce moved on to Newcastle.

And the man Chettle now sees instructing his team from the Manchester City dug-out bears no resemblance to the one who dominated the home dressing room at the City Ground for all those years.

Pearce may still prowl along the touchline like a man possessed at times but according to Chettle, the overall difference is amazing.

"From what I have seen he seems to have calmed down an awful lot," said the former England U21 international.

"He suddenly seems very philosophical about things, which never used to be the case when he was a player."

'Psycho' Pearce as he was known in his playing days now seems certain to be installed as the permanent successor to Kevin Keegan once the current campaign is over, having impressed City chairman John Wardle with the work he has done on and off the pitch.

The former England skipper has kept City in the hunt for Europe and the Blues' current six-match unbeaten run in their best effort in the top flight since 1994.

Pearce also has the unanimous backing of the City players, who have responded to his appointment by performing with far greater determination than during Keegan's last few months in charge.

"If you can't look up to Stuart Pearce, I can't imagine who you would look up to," said Chettle.

"He will certainly let everyone know who is in charge. He didn't take any rubbish as a player. If you stepped on the wrong side of him, you got one round the back of the head. I don't think anyone will change that."

Now 36, seven years Pearce's junior, Chettle is combining a non-league playing career with Ilkeston and running the soccer schools he launched when his professional days came to an end.

He has not entirely given up on the prospect of following his former team-mate into the world of management, although he accepts there are bound to be major differences to the carefree life top players enjoy.

"Maybe it is something I will try eventually, but Stuart has a good few years on me yet and he seems to be making a decent job of it so far."