NIGEL PEARSON has revealed he is suffering from a neurological issue but insists it won’t hold him back.
The Bristol City boss has been on crutches for the last six weeks owing to back pain.
Tests have been conducted on the problem and surgery is needed.
Pearson has opened up about his health, saying: “People know about the fact I need a back operation and that hasn’t changed.
“But that’s not really the main problem for me at the minute, it’s a neurological situation.
“I’m still awaiting further tests to find out what the prognosis is and one of the things that I’m trying to avoid at the minute is blanket treatment.
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“There’s no point going onto steroids and that having some sort of an impact, and it masking what it is.
“The good news from my perspective is all the sinister possibilities – cancer – have all been ruled out.
“What I need to do now is wait for an opportunity whereby I can get into hospital and get it all done in one hit which might take 24 to 48 hours.”
The issue has seen Pearson remain seated during Bristol City’s recent matches.
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His assistants Curtis Fleming and Jason Euell are coaching the players in training and stepping up to take media duties.
Pearson said: “As a working group of people we have to adapt slightly how I and we work.
“You know already I’m a bit more of an observational type of person anyway.
“What’s important is that we continue to work closely together as a group of staff to make sure, as always, the players come first and that’s what I will always do.
“On a personal level, it’s a bit frustrating, but on a professional level it’s just something I’ve got to deal with.”
Pearson previously managed Leicester to Premier League promotion in 2014.
He has also had spells in charge of Southampton, Hull, Derby and Watford.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
