Stuart Pearce

A beacon of honesty and pragmatism in the world of volatile football management, Stuart Pearce brings his experience as a tradesman and from his on and off-pitch football career to business audiences at every level. Forming a real connection with the people ‘on the floor’ as effectively as with senior management, Stuart drills down to the key business messages gleaned from his time as an electrician, player and manager. He has overcome adversity and faced high-level leadership challenges, from which he delivers direct, grass-roots and realistic guidance.

His long and distinguished career includes a stint  captaining the England  national football team and the mantle of being one of the most highly regarded defenders his country has ever produced. He has acted as Manager at Nottingham Forest, he also managed the England U-21 team, and the Great Britain Olympic football team. Stuart’s decision not to pick David Beckham for the team polarised a nation but earned him acclaim for his confident determination to do what he felt was best for the team.

Stuart's football career began with non-League Wealdstone. He was spotted by Coventry City who paid a huge sum (at the time) for a semi-pro, and two years later he made the switch to Nottingham Forest to work under Brian Clough.

He spent the next 12 years at Forest, becoming the club captain and being capped by England. Stuart became player manager of Forest in 1996 for one year before leaving at the end of the 1996-97 season.

He went on to play for Newcastle, West Ham United and Manchester City before hanging up his boots in 2001.

Better known as Psycho, Stuart won 78 caps for England, scoring 5 times playing in 2 World Cups but he is best known for 2 contrasting penalties in the World Cup on 1990 and then in Euro 96.  While the 1990 World Cup will be remembered for Gazza's Turin tears, the sight of a disconsolate Pearce missing his penalty was an emotional moment for his fans - and in sharp contrast to his 'pyscho' nickname.

So 6 years later when Stuart converted his spot kick in the quarter final shoot out against Spain, his roar of relief was echoed by fans up and down England and his face became an iconic picture of the tournament.

On retirement, Stuart managed Manchester City after coaching under Kevin Keegan.  He was sacked at the end of the 2007 season but had already taken up a role as England U21 manager.  He managed England once as an interim manager after Fabio Capello stood down.

His expansive football experience, leadership positions and ability to manage diverse teams in the sports fields means he can transfer these skills to the boardroom and business environments.