Pearson’s Belgian role

NIGEL PEARSON has been appointed as boss at Belgian second-tier side OH Leuven — by the Thai owners who sacked him at Leicester.

Pearson, 54, has been speaking to Leicester’s Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his son Aiyawatt for a number of weeks.

The reunion is a shock due to the manner of Pearson’s departure from Leicester in June 2015, just weeks after keeping the club in the Premier League.

He was sacked in the wake of a racist sex tape featuring his son James, recorded on a goodwill tour of Thailand, being made public.

Yesterday Pearson said: ‘I’m looking forward to work again in football, to work with the King Power guys and to help to develop this club.

‘Due to my experience with King Power, I know how they want to develop the club. I’m really looking to contribute to it.

‘This club has a lot of good players and a good staff.

‘I can’t wait to get started and achieve our goals. I always wanted to start working abroad.’

Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt said: ‘Nigel is an extremely good manager. One with lots of knowledge, good people skills and a strong winning mentality.

‘He’ll put OH Leuven on track in the coming years.’

Pearson led Leicester to two promotions in different spells as well as Premier League safety.

He has been out of work since being dismissed by Derby just nine Championship games into last season.

OH Leuven are fourth in the eight-team Belgian First Division B.