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Nigel Pearson on shortlist to take over as Middlesbrough manager

Nigel Pearson prior to the Pre-Season Friendly between Chesterfield and Derby County
Image: Nigel Pearson left Derby County in October 2016

Nigel Pearson is on a shortlist of three possible candidates to take over as manager of Middlesbrough.

Chairman Steve Gibson is planning for the Sky Bet Championship after Boro were relegated a fortnight ago and he has yet to decide on his primary managerial target, according to Sky sources.

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Former Leicester boss Pearson is currently on holiday but initial discussions have taken place with his representatives, and more formal talks are planned for after his return at the weekend.

Aitor Karanka was sacked as Boro boss in March, with the team second-bottom of the Premier League and without a Premier League win in 2017.

Steve Agnew took over as caretaker manager but he was unable to guide the club to safety and they finished 19th in the Premier League table, 12 points adrift of safety.

Middlesbrough Chairman Steve Gibson wants issue resolved
Image: Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson wants an immediate return to the Premier League

Gibson has said Boro will be looking to "smash the league" when they return to the Championship next season and has pledged to spend a significant sum to ensure they are capable of mounting a strong promotion challenge.

Pearson has been out of football since leaving Derby County in October 2016, with the club bottom of the Championship.

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The 53-year-old departed after just six months in charge at Pride Park following a row with owner Mel Morris.

Juninho #10 and Nigel Pearson during Middlesbrough's FA Cup quarter-final match against Derby County in 1997
Image: Juninho and Pearson during Middlesbrough's FA Cup quarter-final match against Derby County in 1997

Pearson is a former Middlesbrough captain who joined the club in 1994, the same year Gibson took over as chairman.

The pair enjoyed a good deal of success together, gaining two promotions and reaching three domestic cup finals before Pearson retired from playing in 1998.

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