Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce has decided to leave West Ham United. He has been a coach at the London Stadium for the last two seasons, working closely with David Moyes and reviving the Hammers.
Pearce’s departure was announced on the club’s official website. He has played a key role alongside other coaches Billy McKinlay, Kevin Nolan, Paul Nevin and Xavi Valero; with West Ham reaching the semi-final of the Europa League this season.
It doesn’t appear that Pearce wants to be darting off into the sunset just yet. He has made a statement on the club’s official website that suggests the Forest icon is not set to pursue other opportunities in the game.
He told the club’s media team: “It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision to leave West Ham United.
“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work at the club over the past two years. But, I’ve decided that now is the right time to step away and pursue other opportunities and challenges.”
Pearce has held a number of positions since finishing his playing days.
He’s managed Manchester City and the England under-21s, whilst he was also the man tasked with leading the Great Britain football team at the London 2012 Olympics.
Pearce’s last job managing a team came during the 2014/15 campaign when he was handed the reins at Forest.
Things didn’t turn out for the best at the City Ground. Pearce led his team to the top of the Championship after six weeks of the season but he won just 10 of 32 games in charge and was sacked in February.
The prodigal son returning didn’t work and that must be a huge regret of Pearce’s.
Pearce leaves West Ham and could Forest return beckon?
It has to be said that even the suggestion is more romantic than realistic. Pearce looks to have done his time at Forest and the challenges for him to pursue probably lie elsewhere.
Steve Cooper is a meticulous man. Alan Tate, Steven Reid, Steve Rands and Danny Alcock make up his coaching team and at the moment there doesn’t appear to be a vacancy.
Pearce can still have a part to play in football. Clearly, the work he’s been doing with Moyes has paid off, with West Ham enjoying two fantastic seasons.
His departure does come as s surprise but it won’t be long before someone with Pearce’s expertise is back in the dugout.
However, a role at Forest looks highly unlikely.