Inside the Mind of a Football Legend
Stuart Pearce Talks Fantasy Football, Premier League, and England’s Future
Stuart Pearce has experienced it all in football. From starring in the non-league to becoming a Premier League icon, winning silverware, playing 78 times for England and managing the national Under-21s side, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and as an assistant at West Ham.
Now as a much-respected and loved pundit, Pearce’s insight into the game remains unfiltered, sharp, and full of character.
Marking the launch of next generation football ownership game, CLUB, Stuart Pearce has spoken about the thrills of football management to calling in a very high-profile favour for a Fantasy Football tip..
Pearce is in fantastic form as he discusses England’s World Cup chances under Thomas Tuchel, the rise of celebrity club owners like Ryan Reynolds, and why players like Declan Rice and Harvey Elliott could shape the future of the Three Lions.
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Stuart Pearce on being a football manager
“On certain days, it's a dream job because you've had influence from Monday to Friday to get that result on a Saturday. You think, yes, I've got my team selection right. Yes, I've got my tactics right and whatever. As soon as you've got that result, as soon as the final whistle goes, you get euphoria in your body.
“But by the time you've given a chat to the team afterwards, you're just thinking about the next game. So it's very short-lived, the ups, and football management in general. You get the ups and then all of a sudden, you're thinking about the next game and what you're going to do next week.
“For me, I love to see and help young players come through and develop. I gave debuts in my managerial time to the likes of Micah Richards and Joe Hart, I worked with Jordan Henderson and James Milner, and it makes you proud to see what they went on to achieve.”
…on calling Sir Alex Ferguson for a Fantasy Football tip!
“My son had a fantasy football team at school. He was about eight at the time. It was 2012 and I helped him pick a fantasy football team at the start of the season.
“The team started off all right. Then there were injuries and stuff like that and he didn't make changes. I took no real notice of it.
“I was the England Under-21 manager and was too busy to get involved. Around the Christmas time period, my ex-wife pulled me aside and said, is there any effing chance of you helping him out?
“People are taking the mick out of him at school. He's Stuart Pearce's son and his team are at the bottom of the table.
“So, from that moment on, I got hooked on it. We made a couple of changes and we started creeping up the league until the last game of the season. At the end of the season, we were a point behind the headmaster. We'd come up the league that much.
“If you remember that season, Manchester City won the league on the final day in 2012. Man United were away at Sunderland.
“I rang Alex Ferguson on the Wednesday, and asked him the question, which one of Chris Smalling or Phil Jones was he going to play on Saturday? He turned around and said, I'm going to play this one.
“So I transferred that player [Phil Jones] into the Fantasy team and we won the league by two points as United got a clean sheet!”
…on celebrity football club owners
“I’m not surprised that so many celebrities are buying clubs. I think it's become very in vogue for people to want to own football clubs and the profile that it gives them.
“Whether they had a love for the game beforehand or not, somewhere on that journey, they've developed a love for the game. What I hear about Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham is that they've invested in the community, which I really like to hear.
“Similar to Manchester City, improving the area around the ground, the training facility and stuff.
“It can be a good earner as well, getting teams. There’s foreign ownership and investment in a few more of the teams that are in the National League, so it just goes to show they've seen the journey Wrexham have been on and think they can emulate that.
…on the Premier League’s Best-Run Clubs
“Looking in, Brighton and Brentford are well-run clubs. Those two spring to mind straight away. They operate on a budget and make good transfers. You never hear owners on telly spouting their mouths off and making things difficult for the manager.
“It’s the clubs where you don’t see stories coming out, you’d have to say Liverpool and Man City as well because of consistency of management and their success, but also doing a lot in the community, building a great infrastructure around training facilities.
…on What Thomas Tuchel Can Learn from Serena Wiegman
“The Lionesses' success was brilliant. I followed all of it.. It has lifted the women's game, but it should give the men's game a lift as well. Wiegman got her team selections and substitutions spot on. They performed when necessary and were able to win the tournament without necessarily being the best side throughout, which is an incredible achievement.
“If I was Thomas Tuchel, I would sit Serena down and pick her brains. Ask her what worked for her, what didn't work for her, what works for us as an organisation in regard to the base camp and stuff like that. The prep beforehand, making sure that everything's in place for the team to perform as well as they possibly can.
“The next World Cup is a tough ask for the men’s side, but there's success coming. England are doing something right at the moment, ever since St. George’s Park has been opened.”
…on England’s World Cup Chances
“Tuchel certainly comes with a great CV. I think he needs to build on what Gareth's done - and Gareth needs a great deal of plaudits. Sometimes it’s like a ‘Caesar's dead, long-live the King’ mentality. I don't think you can ever underestimate what Gareth's done for the FA and England.
“But it's a tough ask. The fact that he's only got a one-year contract that takes him to the World Cup next year. if we're going to judge him, solely on whether he wins or doesn't win the World Cup, I think that's tough on him as a manager, and it puts the FA and the team under a little bit more pressure.
“Do I think they can go to the States and win the World Cup? I want them to, but I don’t think so, if I’m being honest. It's a tough ask with the climate, the travel and everything that goes with it. Time will tell on that one, but certainly the organisation itself is built as a winning organisation now.”
…on Jordan Henderson’s being a ‘role model’ for club and country
“Thomas Tuchel has seen fit to bring Jordan Henderson into the squad, and that says something. I wouldn't call it a wildcard pick, but it probably raised a few eyebrows.
“I understand exactly why he's done it. You need role models, you need examples, you need voices in the dressing room. Jordan is exactly that, he’s a totally unselfish player.
“Whether he’s in the squad next summer or not, Tuchel has seen a role for him being part and parcel, let alone his ability, understanding the game situations and stuff like that.
“He'll take all of that experience into the Brentford dressing room, though I think it could be a tough season for Brentford next year. They’ve lost a lot of goals, they’ve lost a manager. And I think it could be a tough season for them, but they're going to need the likes of Jordan to steady the ship if results don't go well.”
…on Declan Rice as England’s next captain
“Declan Rice should be the next England captain. I think ability-wise, you've got to pick somebody that is going to be in your starting XI. Somebody that is totally selfless, gives himself to the squad. He’s someone that I know and worked with, and I think he would knit the group together.
“Sometimes you've got to get somebody that you think transcends all the players within your group. And I think he would mature as a player if you give him the captaincy for England as well”.
…on Liverpool’s Title Chances
“I think Liverpool will win the Premier League. I think their recruitment's been really good. They're the team to beat this year. I like their style of play and energy.
“Ryan Gravenberch was probably the best midfield player in the league last year, in my opinion. Wirtz coming in as well strengthens their ranks.
…on Alexander Isak
“The title is over if Liverpool sign Alexander Isak. To bring him and his goals through the door to add to Salah would be incredible
If a deal does get hashed with Newcastle. Darwin Nunez going in the opposite direction to Newcastle might be the way that makes Newcastle better off. He is full of energy, someone that the Newcastle fans would take to.
“He creates chances for himself. He's just been a little bit wasteful over time. If he gets that right, all of a sudden he'll be a very effective replacement for Isak.
“If he does miss a chance, or misses another one, he keeps going. He's unshakable in that respect. That's a great trait to have as a striker.”
…backing Ryan Gravenberch for Player of the Season
“Ryan Gravenberch is my pick for Player of the Season. I think last year he went under the radar for a lot of people outside Liverpool. You ask the Liverpool fans who caught their eye, who they didn't expect to catch their eye, his name will come up.”
…on Harvey Elliott’s superb summer for U21s and potential transfer
“Harvey Elliott was the standout player this summer for the Under-21s as they retained the Euros trophy. I thought he was magnificent.
“He's probably got to leave Liverpool and he needs to be a regular starter in whatever team he goes to.You've seen the goals, you've seen the assists that he can bring.
“I think he should stay in the Premier League and he’d be a valuable addition for a lot of clubs. He started off at Fulham, so he's used to making that move.I would say that that would be more beneficial to him. Time will tell, but it will help his opportunity of getting in the England senior squad on a regular basis.”
…on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid
“I think credit to Trent for leaving. I admire him.
“I don't get the angst. He owes Liverpool nothing. If I was a Liverpool fan, all I would have would be admiration for him and for what he'd done while he was there. He's been magnificent. He's delivered goals, delivered assists. Delivered trophies.
“The thing you've got to bear in mind as well. If things didn't work out at Real Madrid, he might be back at Liverpool next summer.
“Madrid have got a brilliant acquisition. I admire his press conference as well. Doing his homework on learning the language.
“I think the more English players that play abroad is better for the national team. We've seen the example of Spanish,French and German players playing abroad.
“I think it helps the national team. So anytime I see an English player go and play abroad, I think it's good. It gives them a better life experience and another tilt on how their game can develop.”
…on Chelsea’s Title Credentials
“Chelsea might be Liverpool’s main rivals this year. The fact that they played this summer means they can start the season hitting the ground running.
“I think the recruitment's been decent at Chelsea. There's a young element to their side, they're going to mature and get better.
“They've got different options up front instead of Jackson now. You know, in Delap and Pedro, you've got a couple of young players that have come into the fold that have got something to prove at the front end of the team”.
…on Erling Haaland’s upcoming season
“I think he'll score goals numbering in the 20s next year. There's no doubt about that. But I'm not sure he'll be as free scoring as he was.
“Have defenders worked Haaland out? I think when strikers come in fresh and defenders haven't seen them, it's slightly easier . I would say, coaches, managers and defenders have got clued up with him. They work players out.
“Year on year, it's going to be tougher and tougher for him to score as readily as he has done. It also relies on how well the team do behind him. They've got to create for him.
If City finish top of the league, he'll be scoring high goals. If City don't win the league and finish third or fourth, then maybe his goals tell you a big deal.”
…on Pep Guardiola’s future
“You know what, I thought he was going to leave this summer, and I thought he might have been doing it the summer before as well.
“We’re closer to the end than the start, but I've given up predicting when Pep decides to call it a day at City. I'll be saddened when he does actually leave City, because his brand of football, his personality, all the things, make him a credit to the Premier League. I was sad to see Jurgen Klopp leave the year before last.”
..on James Trafford’s return to Man City
“I think he's got some way to go beyond Ederson. But what you've got to do is sign for the future in some ways.
“It's been a strange one. He's had to leave the club, but a lot of players have had to leave City to get more first-team football at times, Cole Palmer being a point in case.
“he's proved himself over a couple of years at Burnley. I think he's got more stature now. When he first went to Burnley, I wasn’t sure about him. I thought he was a little bit weak, could be flustered on crosses, that type of thing.
“But the esteem and the clean sheets that he was keeping last year has seemed fit that City need to invest for the future.
“They know him particularly well. Obviously, they've worked with him. So the character fits Manchester City. So credit to him for going back and re-signing him.”
…on Jack Grealish’s Next Move
“Does Jack Grealish need to move away from City? 100% he does. He's sat on the bench too often. He's not playing football which must be hard as he’s one who loves to play.
“He's got to rekindle some of the forthright Jack Grealish play that we saw at Aston Villa, picking the ball up, driving at defenders. He's got his game into a habit where he's quite happy to stop the ball and go backwards too readily. I spent all my time as a full back. You give me a winger that wants to go backwards all the time, I'm absolutely delighted.
“At the end of his career, Jack will be judged on how many goals and assists that he's actually contributed. There's not enough on both tallies.
“The buck stops with the player in my eyes. You've got to force the manager's hand to play you regularly all the time. And when you're on that pitch, you've got to deliver performances to make sure you stay in the team. As a player, I would always point the finger at myself if my performances weren't good enough.
…on Manchester United’s ‘smart’ rebuild
“There's discontent at Manchester United, with the ownership, and the club needs stability. They've had stability all the time when Alex was there.
“Now they need to find that level of stability both on and off the football pitch, signing two talented players that know the Premier League who won't take any settling in. It’s a smart move.
“I was really impressed with Cunha last season, he really caught my eye. He has a really good arrogance on the ball and can create things. Mbuemo was brilliant last year, can he replicate it at Old Trafford is the question.”
…on Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona Move
“Marcus Rashford needed a new challenge in his life. I find it quite sad someone of his age has gone off the boil. It looks as though the fire in his belly has diminished slightly.
“He just needs to refine that again. He's one of the most exciting talents that's available this summer, in fact, anywhere in Europe!
“It would not surprise me if he hit 30 goals next for Barcelona year. I think he's got the ability to do that. If he settles into the lifestyle there and enjoys it and rekindles himself, I think it's a really good move for him and the football club.”
…on Harry Maguire’s Future
“ I gave Harry his Under-21 debut many, many years ago. He's one of those players I would be more than happy for him to come into any football club.
“I tried to sign him when I was the Forest manager back in 2014, but the owner thought £1.8 million was too much for him, then he went to Man Utd for £80m, so there you go!
“He'll get goals and he can defend the box.He can deal with the ball and defending in a low block, he's very good. He'd be a good signing for somebody for the right money, but you've got to play in that counter-attack style of play to get the best out of him.
“I think Harry Maguire would have been perfect for Forest, if they hadn’t signed Milenkovic.
“If i was Crystal Palace and resigned to losing Marc Guehi to a bigger club, a makeweight deal with Man Utd which includes a ready made replacement Premier League player like Harry Maguire could make sense!”
…on Nottingham Forest’s attacking needs
“Chris Wood did brilliantly last year. Would you put Chris Wood in your Fantasy Football team and expect him to score 20 goals again? I'm not sure. He had a brilliant season last year, but defenders work you out slightly.
“Forest need a striker. Another option up front to supplement what they’ve got with the competitions they’re in next year.
“That is irrelevant to Elanga leaving. Losing his counter-attack threat is going to be a big blow for Forest, but if Elanga was still at the club, I would still say they need another striker.”
…on Jamie Vardy’s Next Chapter
“Jamie Vardy has been brilliant for Leicester over time, but personally, I'm not sure that he's what Forest needs at the moment. In time, they're better off going with a younger player.
“He’s not an out and out striker, but someone like Harvey Elliott could fill in and play in several attacking roles. For me, he needs a new challenge and would fit in straight away at Forest.”
…on Lucas Paquetá’s future
“He’s a very talented player. His first season at West Ham was very good, he gave something that they didn't have before.
“Since then he's lost that impact and needs to be rekindled, but he’s got this gambling situation hanging over his head, which is a problem.
“I think if West Ham could recoup some of, all of, their money back, they'd be quite happy to sell. But if clubs in the transfer market thought there's a hefty ban coming up in the future, I, for one, wouldn't be taking him at this moment.That may need to resolve itself first.”
…on Jarred Bowen
“It’s a tough ask for Jarred Bowen to find a place in England’s starting XI as Saka plays in the same role as him. But you've got a great kid that will be invested in the squad and give his all.
He could be a great impact sub as well, potentially. He can get you a goal out of nothing. He's been invaluable for West Ham over the years, and he'll be very close to being in the squad.”
… on Kalvin Phillips possible return to Leeds
“He's lost his way. Going to City just did not work for him and then West Ham took him on loan and then Ipswich again.
“The partnership of him and Rice for England was incredible, the pair of them. I thought at Leeds, he was absolutely brilliant under Marcelo Bielsa. I loved him.
“There's been speculation he could return to Leeds United. Maybe that's what he needs. To move back to somewhere where things went really well for him.
He's certainly a talented player, but he's a talented player that's probably not shown it for a couple of years. He needs to find that fire in his belly once again”
…on Mikel Arteta’s consistency at Arsenal
“Mikel Arteta has brought consistency back to Arsenal Football Club. Three second-place finishes is some going when you see the magnitude of the teams that finish above them.
“I think he's done a really good job there of making sure they're consistent. But, Tottenham winning a trophy last year probably didn't help the calls.
“If I was Arsenal Board of Directors, I wouldn't be looking to change him any time soon. Just offering the support to hopefully get his hands on the big prizes. As we saw with England, you've got to be careful what you wish for if you do decide to make a change.”
…on England’s World-Class Core
“For me, we have genuine world class players in Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
“With a touch more experience, Mark Guehi can reach those same levels.
“For where we need a player in a position, I think he’s invaluable. I think he's more suited to international football and what England needs. More so than what he does for Palace.”
…on England’s striking options
“Harry Kane is a world class striker, but I think there's a dearth behind him. You’ve got Olly Watkins there and various other players, but you don't think they're the real deal at the moment to lead the line for England.
“You look at the time England have had Rooney and Owen, Shearer.
“If you're looking for someone to fill the boots of Harry Kane that is going to be in that ilk, is that Liam Delap? I’m not sure at the moment. I think he's got a year or two's development to come to see what he actually turns out to be.”
…on Raheem Sterling’s future
“I still feel as though Raheem has a lot to offer in the Premier League.I wonder whether a move to a mid-table or a newly promoted Premier League side might be better for him. He's going to play regularly and his influence as a senior player might be more needed. If Fulham don’t look at Harvey Elliott, it could be interesting.
“Can Raheem Sterling get back into the England fold? I don’t if the truth be known. I think we've got too much younger talent that's coming through that will offer a better option.”
…on his toughest opponents
“I played alongside a fellow called Ian Bowyer when I first got to Nottingham Forest. He was with the European Cup winning side. He was incredibly tough. Players from the era I started.
“In the Non-League, I was never deemed as a tough tackling player. Everyone was a hell of a lot tougher than I was!
“Vinnie Jones was happy to go in on challenges, a little bit late on the odd occasion. He could get hurt as well. And that makes him a tough competitor in some ways. He’d be seen as a very tough player now in the modern game.”
…on being mentally tough in modern football
“Toughness manifests itself in different ways now. Physical toughness is not there. You need to be mentally tough, I think.
“You know, people didn't want Harry Maguire in the England team. They didn't want him at United, blah, blah, blah. And he kept going and he kept going and he kept going and he won people over.
“A few years ago, I went to watch England play.. I made a beeline after the game and I went over to see him and I said to him, I really admire you. Keep doing what you're doing.
“You know what I mean? Keep your head down. You don't have to answer people verbally. Your performances will answer them.”