Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce issued a brutal response to Talk Sport (Sports Breakfast 18/07) when asked if he would ever work at Derby County.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Pearce was asked the million-dollar question by the show’s regular host.
The 57-year-old served Forest with distinction, playing 502 games during a 12-year association with the club.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
He returned in 2014 as manager but lasted just six months.
Working for fierce rivals Derby is not something that Pearce would ever ponder, however.
He told Alan Brazil’s Sports Breakfast: “Not a chance.
“I have nothing against Derby County at all, but my relationship with Nottingham Forest fans changes drastically if I ever represented Derby at any level.”
An eagle-eyed Derby supporting caller did contact the show to quiz Pearce on his apparent single appearance for the Rams.
In May 2006, the former England star donned the black and white of Derby during Ted McMinn’s testimonial match against Rangers at Pride Park.
Pearce scored and celebrated by sarcastically kissing the club’s badge.
He conceded: “Yes I certainly did play and score for them. Someone had to break the deadlock for them though, didn’t they?
(Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
“In terms of kissing the badge, there was a bit of sarcasm in that which wasn’t lost on the fans.
Pearce was then asked by Brazil if he thought loyalty was out of the window in modern-day football, to which he replied: “Not in my world it isn’t.
Brazil: “Would you consider a job at Derby County?” 🐑
Pearce: “Absolutely not!” ❌
Brazil: “Do you think loyalty in football is out the window now?” 🤔
Pearce: “Not in my world…” 🙌
We asked Stuart Pearce about loyalty in modern football.#NFFC fans will LOVE this 😍 pic.twitter.com/hMA3lcqgPC
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 18, 2019