Alex Pearce

[BonnieShels]

Reminds me of Robert Webb in that

[gastric]

According to today's Sun, Pearce is to re-sign with Reading. No link available yet.

[gastric]

According to many of today's tabloids Pearce has rejected a new contract with Reading, and is being linked with Liverpool again.

[Crosby87]

Rodgers courting Alex:
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/311997/Brendan-Rodgers-chasing-Reading-defender-Alex-Pearce/

[Grafter]

Rodgers courting Alex:
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/311997/Brendan-Rodgers-chasing-Reading-defender-Alex-Pearce/

Is he actually that good or just a Gary Doherty type? Has he any pace?

[tetsujin1979]

Carragher is retiring, so Liverpool are going to be linked with loads of centre halves over the next few months.

[Bungle]

He was captain of Reading at a very young age, so he must have some leadership qualities about him. I suppose Rodgers knows him well and must rate him. Have to admit I haven't really seen him at all apart from about 3 times.

I would imagine Liverpool will sign about 2 centre halves and my guess is Pearce would probably be going to the club as 3rd/4th choice centre half, as I think Rodgers will try and sign someone like Lescott this summer. I actually think Agger is a sunshine player who looks good on the ball but is actually a very poor defender. Skrtel can be very good defensively, but is in bad form right now and I could see Coates being sold, so I wouldn't say that Liverpool defense is particularly difficult to get into if Pearce was to impress.

[Serb]

Carragher is retiring, so Liverpool are going to be linked with loads of centre halves over the next few months.

It's the same way CNN cover the news; cover every single angle just in case one of them turns out to be accurate.

[Charlie Darwin]

He was captain of Reading at a very young age, so he must have some leadership qualities about him. I suppose Rodgers knows him well and must rate him. Have to admit I haven't really seen him at all apart from about 3 times.

I would imagine Liverpool will sign about 2 centre halves and my guess is Pearce would probably be going to the club as 3rd/4th choice centre half, as I think Rodgers will try and sign someone like Lescott this summer. I actually think Agger is a sunshine player who looks good on the ball but is actually a very poor defender. Skrtel can be very good defensively, but is in bad form right now and I could see Coates being sold, so I wouldn't say that Liverpool defense is particularly difficult to get into if Pearce was to impress.
I'd have thought Lescott would be expensive and very bad value for money, not that that's stopped Liverpool before. Plus he's ex-Everton. I'd have thought they'd be after somebody reasonably young at a lower-status club to themselves, similar to Chelsea's acquisition of Gary Cahill. Someone like Ashley Williams perhaps.

I'm surprised Coates hasn't made more of an impact at Liverpool.

[Closed Account 2]

I'm surprised Coates hasn't made more of an impact at Liverpool.

Yeah he made one or two small errors and it seems like he was hung out to dry.

[Irish_Praha]

Yeah he made one or two small errors and it seems like he was hung out to dry.

maybe at the end of the season he will be told to get his coat?

ok, sorry I'll get MY coat!

[Bungle]

I'd have thought Lescott would be expensive and very bad value for money, not that that's stopped Liverpool before. Plus he's ex-Everton. I'd have thought they'd be after somebody reasonably young at a lower-status club to themselves, similar to Chelsea's acquisition of Gary Cahill. Someone like Ashley Williams perhaps.

I'm surprised Coates hasn't made more of an impact at Liverpool.

You're probably right, though I actually rate Lescott as a very good defender. He's experienced as well, which is what Liverpool badly need in their team. I reckon City will be offloading some very good players like Dzeko and Lescott this summer for reasonable prices.

[Charlie Darwin]

Depends what you mean by reasonable I suppose! Lescott is a good player but unless City agree to part-pay his salary, he'd make a huge dent in the wage bill.

[tricky_colour]

Well I hope where ever he goes it is to play not warm the bench.
Would be nice to have some Irish interest at Liverpool.

[Colbert Report]

You're probably right, though I actually rate Lescott as a very good defender. He's experienced as well, which is what Liverpool badly need in their team. I reckon City will be offloading some very good players like Dzeko and Lescott this summer for reasonable prices.

Dzeko has already been sold.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd love to know where you get your information from because it is always, always wrong. Often spectacularly so.

[Colbert Report]

Don't get your knickers in a twist just because I think that McGeady would be better off in the Premiership than Russia.

Dzeko tweeted a picture of him boarding a plane to Germany on Saturday, that's why he didn't come off the bench.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Dzeko will leave, but who cares?

Pearce linked with Rodgers as the latter knows him from his Reading days. And the former dropped by Reading for not signing a new contract.

[gastric]

Reading still hoping to keep Pearce, but according to today's Sun Liverpool are still keen on him.

http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3956/transfer-zone/2013/05/24/4001718/reading-announce-player-departures-but-optimistic-on-alex-pearce-

[paul_oshea]

In todays metro that he is linked with Newcastle.

[tricky_colour]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2135109_rodgers_and_pardew_battle_for_reading_fc_d efender_alex_pearce

Rodgers and Pardew battle for Reading FC defender Alex Pearce
By Jonathan Low
June 05, 2013

Alex Pearce is no closer to signing a new deal with Reading and looks set to be snapped up by Liverpool or Newcastle United when his contract expires at the end of the month.

[paul_oshea]

Hopefully one of them and first team football, he plays well and trap picks him.

[Charlie Darwin]

With Papadopoulos on his way to Anfield, I can't imagine he'd be any more than a backup. With Coloccini leaving Newcastle, there'd be a vacancy there.

[jbyrne]

has signed a new contract with Reading today its being reported

[ArdeeBhoy]

Aye.
http://footballrepublic.ie/alex-pearce-commits-reading/

[Stuttgart88]

So much for Liverpool so. I did think that was stretching it quite a bit. I mean he's not that bad.

[back of the net]

Aye.
http://footballrepublic.ie/alex-pearce-commits-reading/

Well thats put a dent in my Friday

[tricky_colour]

Well I suppose he will be playing regularly, and he is only 24 maybe best to stay where he is settled and happy, I woudl not see it as bad news at all.

[Fixer82]

Hmmmm.....from Wikipedia, is he a bit mercenary? Born in England to Scottish parents and says 'I always wanted to play for Ireland' in 2011

Despite being born in England, Pearce qualified to play for Scotland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_football_team) through his parents, and represented them at youth level.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-loan_to_Northampton-3) He made his debut for theScotland U21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_under-21_football_team) team in their 4–1 defeat to Norway U21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway_national_under-21_football_team) in Kilmarnock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilmarnock) on 20 May 2008.[21] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-21)[22] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-22)
Also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_national_football_team),[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-23) having played for Ireland at Under-14[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24) schoolboy level[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24) he made the switch to represent Ireland after Scotland denied him full senior international honours. In October 2011, he stated "The country I have always wanted to play for is Ireland."[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24)
Pearce was called into the full Ireland squad on 8 September 2012 ahead of an international friendly against Oman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman_national_football_team) three days later.[25] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-McClean_survives_after_tweet_apology-25) He scored a goal on his debut in a 4–1 victory on 11 September 2012.[26] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-26)

[Irwin3]

Hmmmm.....from Wikipedia, is he a bit mercenary? Born in England to Scottish parents and says 'I always wanted to play for Ireland' in 2011

Despite being born in England, Pearce qualified to play for Scotland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_football_team) through his parents, and represented them at youth level.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-loan_to_Northampton-3) He made his debut for theScotland U21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_under-21_football_team) team in their 4–1 defeat to Norway U21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway_national_under-21_football_team) in Kilmarnock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilmarnock) on 20 May 2008.[21] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-21)[22] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-22)
Also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_national_football_team),[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-23) having played for Ireland at Under-14[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24) schoolboy level[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24) he made the switch to represent Ireland after Scotland denied him full senior international honours. In October 2011, he stated "The country I have always wanted to play for is Ireland."[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24)
Pearce was called into the full Ireland squad on 8 September 2012 ahead of an international friendly against Oman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman_national_football_team) three days later.[25] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-McClean_survives_after_tweet_apology-25) He scored a goal on his debut in a 4–1 victory on 11 September 2012.[26] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-26)

I wouldn't say so since he decided at 22 (maybe earlier?) which is the same age as McClean switched, for example. Saying he has "Scottish parents" doesn't exactly tell us the full story. At least one of them is an Irish citizen with Irish parent(s) who then moved to England. So Scottish-born yes but probably not Scottish only, if at all.

What's more worrying is the semi-wasted season he just had and the fact that he hasn't featured for us since his goal-scoring debut. Bad agent or huge ego aside, perhaps he will get back in the squad if he's playing regular again next season.

[BonnieShels]

I wouldn't say so since he decided at 22 (maybe earlier?) which is the same age as McClean switched, for example. Saying he has "Scottish parents" doesn't exactly tell us the full story. At least one of them is an Irish citizen with Irish parent(s) who then moved to England. So Scottish-born yes but probably not Scottish only, if at all.

There's a member of this forum born in Scotland to Irish parents and now lives in London with his 2 English-born children...

Happens!

[peadar1987]

Hmmmm.....from Wikipedia, is he a bit mercenary? Born in England to Scottish parents and says 'I always wanted to play for Ireland' in 2011

Despite being born in England, Pearce qualified to play for Scotland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_football_team) through his parents, and represented them at youth level.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-loan_to_Northampton-3) He made his debut for theScotland U21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_under-21_football_team) team in their 4–1 defeat to Norway U21 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway_national_under-21_football_team) in Kilmarnock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilmarnock) on 20 May 2008.[21] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-21)[22] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-22)
Also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_national_football_team),[23] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-23) having played for Ireland at Under-14[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24) schoolboy level[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24) he made the switch to represent Ireland after Scotland denied him full senior international honours. In October 2011, he stated "The country I have always wanted to play for is Ireland."[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24)
Pearce was called into the full Ireland squad on 8 September 2012 ahead of an international friendly against Oman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman_national_football_team) three days later.[25] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-McClean_survives_after_tweet_apology-25) He scored a goal on his debut in a 4–1 victory on 11 September 2012.[26] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-26)

If you were married to an Irish girl, had to move to Australia for whatever reason, and had kids there, would you tell them they were Australian or Irish?

[Fixer82]

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
It was this bit that made me a bit dubious: he made the switch to represent Ireland after Scotland denied him full senior international honours. In October 2011, he stated "The country I have always wanted to play for is Ireland."[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24)

[Irwin3]

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
It was this bit that made me a bit dubious:he made the switch to represent Ireland after Scotland denied him full senior international honours. In October 2011, he stated "The country I have always wanted to play for is Ireland."[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Pearce#cite_note-Reid-24)

This is someone's unsourced supposition. Should be deleted from his wiki. It also doesn't really make much sense. He played 2 games for Scotland U'21s when he was 19/20 and then decided he wanted to play for Ireland at 22 who have in the subsequent 2 years given him 45 mins in a friendly. I'd say if he stuck with Scotland he would've seen more action in the past couple of years. Now if he changes back to Scotland then I'd say it would be fair to call him a mercenary, but until then not so much.

[DeLorean]

Scored the opener in Reading's 1-1 draw with Leicester last night. The point moves Reading into the playoff positions on GD ahead of Brighton and Ipswich.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhDauF5G5zg

[tetsujin1979]

not the best return to club football for Pearce, he's scored an own goal, given away a penalty and got sent off for Reading tonight.

[DeLorean]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuwBLvuIMAAIWpP.jpg

[Charlie Darwin]

Pearce captains Reading against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Live on Setanta Ireland now. Stephen Kelly's on the bench.

[tricky_colour]

Pearce captains Reading against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Live on Setanta Ireland now. Stephen Kelly's on the bench.

On BB1 here in the UK Cox on the bench too I think

[tricky_colour]

Pearce captains Reading against Arsenal in the FA Cup. Live on Setanta Ireland now. Stephen Kelly's on the bench.

Presumable it is a tempory thing because the regular captain is on the bench?

It was a good showing from Reading though, Arsenal have won their last 8 premiership games, making them the best team on current form.

I didn't realise Reading were so far down the league though they have had a terrible run, about 1 win in 10.

They are hovering above relegation but look 99% safe.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32989516

Pearce & Keogh could be Derby's pairing at CB next season if Paul Clement agrees to it.

[DeLorean]

We need to send him on a DVD of that Portugal game :o

[Charlie Darwin]

Signed for Derby: http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derby-county-sign-republic-of-ireland-international-alex-pearce-2485573.aspx

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

You could almost put out a Derby team of lads who've played for the same country as Pearce.

Keogh, Christie, Hendrick, Sammon, Forsyth, Bryson, Russell, Martin..

[DeLorean]

Derby's first choice centre back Jason Shackell picked up an injury tonight but Pearce wasn't even in the squad to replace him, I don't think he's injured either. Ryan Shotton came on instead. It will be interesting to see if Pearce gets his chance next time out, Saturday's top of the table clash at The Riverside, should Shackell not recover in time. It's possible that Shotton might have been a better option for the bench given his versatility but Pearce would be the better option to start centre back. That's what I'm hoping anyway.

[Charlie Darwin]

Derby's first choice centre back Jason Shackell picked up an injury tonight but Pearce wasn't even in the squad to replace him, I don't think he's injured either. Ryan Shotton came on instead. It will be interesting to see if Pearce gets his chance next time out, Saturday's top of the table clash at The Riverside, should Shackell not recover in time. It's possible that Shotton might have been a better option for the bench given his versatility but Pearce would be the better option to start centre back. That's what I'm hoping anyway.
Pearce on the bench today as Shackell remains in the first XI. Hendrick drops back to the bench despite his goal midweek.

[DeLorean]

Rare start in a much changed Derby team playing Hartlepool.

[DeLorean]

Gone to Bristol City on loan (http://mobile.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derby-countys-alex-pearce-joins-bristol-city-on-loan-2910199.aspx) for the rest of the season.

[DeLorean]

Fresh start for Pearce? (http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/derby-county-fresh-start-for-rams-defender-alex-pearce-says-chris-powell/story-29549271-detail/story.html)

Derby linked with £6m move for James Chester also though which wouldn't help his already slim chances.

[OwlsFan]

Derby certainly have money to spend. English nicknames seldom go beyond adding a "y" to the surname. "Pearcey has shown he can play at this level, play for us and play some part".

Let's hope that if Peacey gets a run, it won't be at the expense of Keoghy.

Jason Shackell is the other centre-half: Shackell - great name for a defender.