Coleman sacking bemuses Pearce

Updated 09.51 Thu Apr 12 2007

Keywords: Stuart Pearce, Chris Coleman, Premiership, Fulham, Manchester City, football, sport

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce fails to undertstand the reasons behind Fulham's decision to sack Chris Coleman.

The axe fell on Coleman's four-year reign on Tuesday night after a seven-match winless run saw the Cottagers fall to within four points of the Premiership's dreaded bottom three.

"I can't understand it and I have spoken to a lot of people connected with the game, managers and coaches, and they can't understand it either" - Chris Coleman

Fulham's instant decision contrasts sharply with the attitude of City chairman John Wardle, who refused to bow to calls for Pearce's head and has been rewarded with a run of ten points from their last four games which has virtually guaranteed the men from Eastlands' top-flight status for another season.

And Pearce said: "I can't understand it and I have spoken to a lot of people connected with the game, managers and coaches, and they can't understand it either.

"It seems to mirror society in a way. It is a little bit of a gut reaction. But then again, I base my personal life on being consistent over a length of time. Personally, I find it quite strange Chris Coleman has been moved on."

Meanwhile, City have received a boost ahead of this weekend's clash with Liverpool after impressive midfielder Stephen Ireland has put pen to paper to a new four-year contract.