Stuart Pearce was born in Shepherds Bush on 24th April, 1962. He played first as an amateur for Wealdstone
Stuart Pearce was born in Shepherds Bush on 24th April, 1962. He played first as an amateur for Wealdstone, turned professional with Coventry City in October 1983 before joining Nottingham Forest for £450,000 in 1985. He made little impact at first, making ends meet by advertising his services as an electrician in the match day programme! But soon he was a regular in the team and 'Psycho's' all-out commitment and rampaging runs up the left wing immediately endeared him to the Trent End. Not only were the opposition's attackers afraid of him, but the full backs had to be wary, too! A capable, left-sided defender, intelligent in covering and a good user of the ball, he was uncompromising in the tackle but never dirty. He also had a knack for scoring thunderous free kicks with his hammer of a left foot. However, his penalty miss in the 1990 World Cup haunted him for six years until he put the ghosts to rest by drilling home two spot-kicks during Euro 96. Though having gained an England cap after less than four seasons' League experience, he went on to win 78 caps in total, latterly as captain. He was even recalled to the England side aged 36!
After leaving Forest in 1997, Pearce went to Newcastle, then West Ham and finally Manchester City, but it was only in the very last season of his 20-year career that he managed to pick up a League Championship medal, helping the club he now manages to the First Division title in the 2001-02 season.
