Pearce pays price for dismal season

Despite his continued upbeat statements over his job prospects, Pearce has effectively been a dead man walking for most of 2007, with an increasing majority of supporters vehemently against him continuing in the job.

City chairman John Wardle was thought to be on the brink of dumping Pearce in March, when defeat at Middlesbrough would almost certainly have marked the end of the former England skipper's two-year reign. Instead, City won, launching a five-game unbeaten run which might have saved Pearce had it continued until the end of the season.

However, three defeats in the last four matches, including a home loss to Manchester United that left the Blues without a Premiership goal at Eastlands since New Year's Day and saw them post an all-time record low home tally of 10 goals, left Wardle with little alternative other than to show Pearce the door.

"Manchester City can confirm that the club has terminated the contract of manager Stuart Pearce with immediate effect," said a club statement.

In a simple one paragraph appreciation, chief executive Alistair Mackintosh thanked Pearce for his efforts on City's behalf and wished him well for the future.

At White Hart Lane on Sunday, Pearce claimed if the axe did fall, he would simply find another job and prove himself a success elsewhere.

His immediate priority is taking charge of the England Under-21 side in this summer's European Championships in Holland.

And, with the Football Association known to want a full-time boss to lead the Under-21s from next season, the smart money must be on Pearce retaining the role, a deal which would no doubt meet with the approval of his Wiltshire-based family.