Stuart Pearce hospitalised after mid-flight health scare but ‘in good spirits’ | Football

Stuart Pearce suffered a serious health scare on a flight from Las Vegas on Monday, causing an emergency landing in Canada, where he is recovering in hospital.

The former Nottingham Forest and England defender was flying back to London from Vegas, where he had been watching the Super League match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.

The 62-year-old fell ill on the flight and received treatment on board, with the plane diverted to St John’s, Canada.

He is now recovering in hospital, but is in good spirits, according to his colleague at talkSPORT, Sam Matterface.

In fact, Pearce has already been frustrated by missing the clash between his former clubs Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.

‘I spoke to him yesterday, he was in great spirits,’ Matterface told talkSPORT. ‘He isn’t 100 per cent – that is definitely the case. But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.

‘He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, “I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!”

‘He’s in hospital playing Guess The Intro – so he’s in good spirits.’

After three minutes of the game at the City Ground there was a minute’s applause for the Forest legend, with the both sets of supporters standing to offer their support to Pearce.

‘That’s applause for the former captain, the former manager, real legend of the club, Stuart Pearce, who’s not very well at the moment,’ said TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher.

‘Get well Stuart, on the big screen, and we send our best wishes to him. I know he’s watching, get well soon and we’ll see you very soon.’

Pearce played 522 game for Forest from 1985-97 and went on to manage the team twice, firstly as caretaker and then returning on a permanent basis in 2014.

He also played and managed Manchester City, finishing his playing career with the club in 2002 and then taking over as boss in 2005.

The left-back also had spells with Newcastle United and West Ham, winning 78 caps for England.

He was recently back at West Ham working on David Moyes’ staff, but left that position in 2022.

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