Nuno Espirito Santo says Stuart Pearce is part of the Nottingham Forest “family” and sent his best wishes for a swift recovery after the former defender reportedly suffered a medical emergency on a transatlantic flight.
Pearce, who made more than 400 appearances for Forest between 1985 and 1997, and managed the club over two spells, fell ill on a flight from Las Vegas to London last Sunday, according to a report in The Sun.
While it is unclear the nature of Pearce’s problem, the report added that he is recovering in hospital in St John’s, Canada, where the plane had diverted after he had received medical treatment on board.
Forest fans offered vocal support for Pearce at the City Ground, where he remains a legendary figure, as they chanted ‘Psycho, Psycho, Psycho’ — Pearce’s nickname as a player — during the early stages of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City.
While, after the game, head coach Nuno also offered his best wishes to the 62-year-old, who also won 78 England caps. “Stuart is not just a legend of our club, he is part of our family. We all send him our very best wishes and hope he has a full and fast recovery,” said Nuno.
The applause for Pearce began in the third minute — a reflection of the shirt number he famously wore here, for more than a decade, while the club displayed messages on the big screens at the stadium, which read, ‘Get well soon, Stuart’.
(Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Pearce often works for talkSPORT and his colleague at the UK radio station Sam Matterface shared an update on the Englishman on Saturday.
“I spoke to him yesterday, he was in great spirits,” Matterface said. “He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case.
“But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.
“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!’
“He’s in hospital playing Guess The Intro — so he’s in good spirits.”
Pearce began his career with Coventry City, before being signed for Forest by Brian Clough. He also had spells with West Ham and Newcastle, as well as spending a season with Manchester City, before retiring in 2002.
Nuno’s side recorded a result that Pearce would be pleased with, as Callum Hudson-Odoi’s 83rd-minute goal gave them a hard-earned 1-0 victory. It gives third-placed Forest a four-point advantage over City, who remain in fourth place but could slip down to fifth if Chelsea beat Leicester City on Sunday.
“We are happy. We are very happy. We played a very good game against a very tough team. Defensively we were good. Our organisation was good. Our cover, our double-ups, they were fundamental for us,” said Nuno.
“Callum had a previous chance when he did well. When you try to create these situations and you succeed — we have the talent.
“Now Ipswich (who Forest face at Portman Road next Saturday). Let us rest because it was a tough week for us. Let us recover for the next one.”
GO DEEPER
Nottingham Forest 1 Manchester City 0: Hudson-Odoi’s knockout blow, where does it leave Euro chase?
(Top photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
