Pearce perplexed by Coleman sacking

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce cannot understand why Chris Coleman has been sacked by Fulham.

Coleman was axed in the wake of City’s 3-1 win at Craven Cottage, which left Fulham looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

The Cottagers’ instant decision contrasts sharply with the attitude of City chairman John Wardle, who refused to bow to calls for Pearce’s head and has been rewarded with a run of three wins and a draw from the Blues’ last four games which has virtually guaranteed top-flight status next season.

“I can’t understand it and I have spoken to a lot of people connected with the game, managers and coaches, and they can’t understand it either,” said Pearce.

“It seems to mirror society in a way. It is a little bit of a gut reaction.

“But then again, I base my personal life on being consistent over a length of time. Personally, I find it quite strange Chris Coleman has been moved on.”

Pearce confirmed Micah Richards would miss Saturday’s encounter with Liverpool after failing to recover from an ankle injury.

Veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann could be available to face his former club after his own ankle problem.

Meanwhile, midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new four-year contract with the Blues.

The Republic of Ireland international has become the latest academy graduate to pledge his future to the club after enjoying a successful second season in the senior squad.

Ireland has made 23 appearances for the Blues so far this season and told www.mcfc.co.uk: “It’s all well worth it now to get it signed so I can concentrate on my football.

“I don’t have to worry about my immediate future, I’ve got a long contract now and it’ll set me up for a few years to progress myself and become a fixture in the side.

He added: “It’s hard being a young player coming through from the academy, you’ve got to be on form every day in training, as well as the games.

“You have to take that chance, you see Bradley (Wright-Phillips), Willo (Flood) and Crofty (Lee Croft) getting sold last year, so I could have been in that boat. I’m glad that I’ve been kept on and I’m happy here and hope to stay for as long as possible.

“It’s a good time for me to get my new contract, I’ve been here a few years and now I’m looking ahead to the next few.”

Ireland is hoping the club can use the 3-1 victory over Fulham on Easter Monday as a springboard to ending the season on a high note.

“We’ve got six games left now, so we’re hoping to keep up the good form, consistency and keep it going.

“Personally, I just want to keep progressing, playing better and better and finish off a full season. I want to score more goals and get more assists.”