Football
9y

Leicester players deserve bonus for staying up, says Nigel Pearson

Boss Nigel Pearson insists his Leicester players deserve every penny of their survival bonus.

Reports claim the Foxes squad is set to bank £5 million after keeping them in the Premier League.

They beat the drop against the odds by winning six of their last eight games ahead of Sunday's finale at home to QPR.

The Foxes spent 140 days at the foot of the table this season and have become just the third side in the league's history to survive after being bottom at Christmas.

And Pearson believes they have earned their reward after producing a stunning comeback.

"We have to be careful when we talk about bonuses. Any bonus scheme going to be paid to players is agreed before the season starts," he said. "We have owners who are very generous but anything bonus-related is already set aside and nothing else needs to be spoken about.

"I find it quite irritating that people want to go down that route. I find it a bit distasteful. Different things motivate different people but it's a bit of a cheap shot when stories are surfacing about how much Premier League survival is worth.

"In my experienc e of working with players that's maybe somewhere in their minds. But I don't at all feel like I've been working with a group of mercenaries. It does surface from time to time.

"To make things clear the bonus scheme in place is like any other one. I'm aware that something is out there and it is a bit disappointing.

"Whatever they get they deserve in my opinion. I don't know what it is to be honest with you."

David Nugent is out with a calf injury while Danny Simpson will not be considered while the club examine his case following his conviction for assault this week.

Leicester could finish 14th after a turbulent season which has seen Pearson in the spotlight for rows with journalists and a bizarre touchline confrontation with Crystal Palace's James McArthur.

In February there were widespread reports he had been sacked before Leicester backed him and Pearson admits he is already moving on from this season.

"I've enjoyed bits of it. I find it hard to enjoy and I do get a bit annoyed with myself that I can't enjoy the good moments always," he said. "I'm already thinking about the next stage. I've not really had the chance to reflect because we're still in the season.

"That reflective process takes place in its own time. We have made some key improvements, quite remarkable adjustments."

^ Back to Top ^