Headaches will start now for boss Pearson

HE NEEDS FIVE OR SIX PLAYERS AND THE OTHERS WANT RISES

IWASN’T at all surprised to see promoted Leicester lose 4-1 at home to Brighton on Tuesday night. Had that game been important, there’s no way they’d have shipped four. But when you finally get over that line, the fight goes out of you.

It doesn’t matter how much you want to win, it’s a natural reaction. The relief, the lifting of all that stress – you feel totally drained.

I remember when I was at QPR, we had to wait until an hour before kick-off on the final day of the season to find out if we were going up.

Though we’d won the league on paper, the furore over Ali Faurlin’s registration meant we didn’t know if we were going to be docked points.

When the news came through that we were up, you could see all the emotion come out of the players and staff. All the tension left us and we just felt shattered.

Deadwood

So even when we scored in the first minute, I knew we’d lose. Sure enough, Leeds won 2-1.

But regardless of that result, no-one can deny that Leicester have been a cut above the rest this season. I’m pleased for Nigel Pearson, whose done a great job. He’s managed to get rid of a lot of deadwood from the Sven era but still keep all the pace and power.

And buying Jamie Vardy last season was a masterstroke because he and David Nugent have been absolutely unplayable up top.

It was also very clever bringing in Kevin Phillips. Nigel must have known he wouldn’t get many games out of Kev, but just having a fantastic professional who’s seen it and done it around the club in those tense final days must have helped the younger lads so much.

Hassle

Now we’ll see how he deals with Premier League problems. When you go up, all your current players want rises. Then you try to bring players in and they want more than the lads already there. You can’t move for agents hassling you.

You need players, but you don’t want to upset the tried and tested lads by bringing in people who are markedly better. It’s great getting promotion, but it doesn’t half give you a headache.

Personally, I think Nigel will need five or six players. And the first thing he’ll be after is a couple of lads who can play in different positions.

Utility players are priceless in the Premier League because when the end of August comes, you’re on your own. No loans, no nothing.You’re in a canoe with one paddle and you’ve just got to pray you don’t lose it.

But that’s for later. Right now Nigel and his lads should just enjoy what has been a fantastic season.

PICTURE: Action Images GREAT PRO: Leicester’s Kevin Phillips scores their third goal against Blackpool I’M glad to see Massimo Cellino finally given the green light to club Leeds United. take over at my oldexpressed concern I know people havebut, let’s be fair, about his backgroundmuch worse than what things couldn’t be years.over the last few they’ve had in place too many They’ve been sold down the swannywant times. heard, this guy doesFrom what I’ve the to put money in, does want to supportabout reaching the team and is genuine Premier League. That can only bea good thing.