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Stephen Pearson
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Stephen Pearson
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Stephen Paul Pearson (born 2 October 1982) is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Key Information

He began his career at Motherwell and joined Celtic in 2004, where he won domestic honours including two Scottish Premier League titles. In January 2007 he moved to Derby County, whom he helped achieve promotion to the Premier League, later having loans at Stoke City and Bristol City, whom he joined permanently in 2012. After featuring for the Kerala Blasters in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, Pearson returned to Motherwell in 2015 before mutually terminating his contract a year later to return to India with Atlético de Kolkata. He signed for Motherwell for a third time in February 2017.

Pearson earned ten caps for Scotland between 2003 and 2007.

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Pearson was born in Lanark. As a boy, he attended Our Lady's High School in Motherwell and is one of the school's numerous footballing alumni, a list whose notable members include Sir Matt Busby, Billy McNeill, and Bobby Murdoch.[3] Though he grew up a Celtic fan, he began his footballing career at Motherwell, after they watched him score the winning goal in the final of the under-18 Scottish Schools competition.[4]

Motherwell were a financially troubled club at this time and in 2002 they were placed in administration to prevent liquidation, with 19 senior players released. This period of adversity did however have one redeeming feature, as many talented young players, notably Pearson and his friend and fellow emerging talent James McFadden, gained instant elevation to first team status and a chance to develop and hone their skills more quickly than contemporaries at other clubs.[5]

After a period of acclimatisation under new manager Terry Butcher during which Motherwell finished bottom of the SPL in the 2002–03 season, avoiding relegation only because Falkirk's Brockville Park ground failed to reach SPL standard, by December 2003 the youthful Motherwell team were comfortably in mid-table.[5] Pearson's form was such that he gained a surprise call-up to Berti Vogts' full Scotland squad,[6] winning his first cap in the 1–0 Euro 2004 play-off victory over the Netherlands,[7] and attracted interest from clubs at home and abroad.[8]

Celtic

[edit]

However, Motherwell's financial predicament ensured they were unable to refuse any reasonable offers[9] and when Celtic manager Martin O'Neill paid £350,000 of his own personal money in January 2004, Pearson fulfilled a childhood ambition by moving to Parkhead.[10] He continued his fine form, notably in Celtic's epic UEFA Cup defeat of FC Barcelona,[11] was in the starting eleven in the Cup Final[12] and won the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2003–04 season.[13]

Pearson was unable to match these achievements in 2004–05. He increased his international tally to six caps, but his first team opportunities were limited by injury, and he played just nine games for Celtic that season.[14][15] The 2005–06 season saw little improvement as he made only three starting appearances in a relatively injury-hit season. In January 2006 he held talks with manager Gordon Strachan, who reassured him as to his future with the club.[16] Pearson did however make 17 substitute appearances and scored a crucial goal against Hearts at Tynecastle as Celtic came from behind to win 3–2.[17]

Though Pearson had been involved in two Scottish Premier League-winning campaigns with Celtic, he struggled to hold down a regular place. English Championship side Derby County, managed by his former Motherwell manager Billy Davies, made a bid of £600,000 in August 2006, but Strachan said he was not for sale.[18] The departure of Stiliyan Petrov to Aston Villa gave Pearson an opportunity to regain a place in the Celtic midfield and, despite rumours of a move away from Celtic Park, he went on to score the third goal against Benfica in the group stages of the 2006–07 Champions League, to take the score to 3–0.[19] He described this goal as "the moment of my career".[20]

Derby County

[edit]
Pearson with Derby County in July 2007

Pearson eventually signed a three-and-a-half-year deal for Derby on 10 January 2007 for a fee of £750,000.[21] and made his debut in a 1–0 win against Sheffield Wednesday, which put Derby level on points at the top of the division.[22] A latter season drop in form saw the club finish in third place and having to compete in the playoffs. Pearson played a key role in Derby's success, winning a penalty in a 2–1 win over Southampton in the semi-final first leg[23] and then scoring the winning goal, his first for the club, as Derby ran out 1–0 winners over West Bromwich Albion in the 2007 Championship playoff final.[24] Pearson's strike has been described as "the £60 million goal",[25] such is the perceived value of promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.[26]

Derby struggled badly following promotion and, after a promising beginning to the season Pearson soon found himself out of the side. He was loaned out to Stoke City for three months at the end of the season but only made four appearances, though he did contribute to the club's promotion, his second in twelve months. Though the move was initially with a view to a permanent deal, Stoke decided not to follow up their interest and he returned to Derby. In July 2008, Birmingham City had a £600,000 bid accepted and Pearson agreed personal terms, but his medical examination revealed a groin tear; the clubs agreed a loan deal instead, but the player rejected this arrangement. When Pearson recovered, he won his place back in the side and scored against Swansea City in a 1–1 away draw, but after a handful of starts suffered another injury which kept him out for 4 months.[27] Pearson made his return from injury in the final minutes of Derby's FA Cup 5th round tie against Manchester United on 15 February 2009, but suffered setbacks on his road to recovery, finally starting again for the club against Burnley on 4 April 2009. and appearing in a further five games before the season ended, finishing the season with just 13 appearances in all competitions. Pearson enjoyed a more productive 2009–10 season with the club, making 34 starts and making a further 8 appearances as sub and impressed enough to earn a new contract until the end of the 2011–12 season from Derby manager Nigel Clough.[28] He got his third Derby goal, and his first for 18 months, with the consolation strike in a 2–1 defeat at Bristol City in the penultimate game of Derby's 2009–10 campaign before a knee operation ruled him out for the next four months, meaning he would miss pre-season and the first four to six weeks of the 2010–11 season.[29]

Pearson returned to first team action as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw at Barnsley on 18 September 2010; Derby's seventh game of the 2010–11 season.

Bristol City

[edit]

On 4 November 2011, Pearson joined Championship strugglers Bristol City on loan until 2 January 2012.[30] He scored the opening goal on his debut against Burnley on 5 November 2011, a game which Bristol City won 3–1.[31] Pearson impressed Bristol City manager Derek McInnes during his loan spell, with Rams manager Nigel Clough confirming talks between the two clubs over a potential permanent move in the January transfer window.[32] On 6 January 2012, Pearson's contract at Derby was terminated by mutual consent[33] and on the same day he signed for Bristol City on a contract until the end of the 2011–12 season.[34] On 7 June 2012, Bristol City confirmed that Pearson had signed a two-year deal at the club.[35] On 19 September 2013, it was announced that Pearson had undergone ankle surgery, keeping him out for six months.[36] At the end of the 2013–14 season, Pearson was released by Bristol City.

Kerala Blasters

[edit]

Pearson joined Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters for the 2014 season. On 16 December 2014, he scored his first goal for the club in the 117th minute of second leg of the play-off semifinals against Chennaiyin FC with a neat finish with his left foot, which turned out to be the winner.[37]

Return to Motherwell

[edit]

On 19 January 2015, Pearson returned to Motherwell for a second spell, signing until the end of the 2014–15 season.[38] He made his second debut for the club on 21 January 2015, in a 4–0 defeat against his former club Celtic.[39] On 3 April 2015, Pearson signed a new two-year contract with Motherwell, keeping him at the club until 2017.[40] He scored the first goal of his second spell at the club on 4 April 2015, in a 2–1 win away to Kilmarnock.[41]

Atlético de Kolkata

[edit]

On 29 June 2016, Motherwell confirmed that they and Pearson had come to a mutual agreement to allow Pearson's contract to be terminated in order for the midfielder to join Indian Super League side Atlético de Kolkata.[42]

Motherwell (third spell)

[edit]

On 2 February 2017, Pearson signed for Motherwell for a third time, agreeing a contract until the end of the 2016–17 season.[43] He was released by the club in May 2017, at the end of his contract.[44]

International career

[edit]

Pearson made his international debut for Scotland on 15 November 2003, replacing Neil McCann for the final 20 minutes of a 1–0 first leg win over the Netherlands at Hampden Park in the play-off for UEFA Euro 2004;[45] he did not feature in the second leg, which saw the Dutch qualify. He made one appearance in Scotland's 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, as a 63rd-minute substitute for Richard Hughes in a 1–0 home defeat to Norway on 9 October 2004.[46] Pearson earned ten caps in all for Scotland, his last being on 17 October 2007 in a 2–0 away defeat to Georgia in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, playing the first 66 minutes before being replaced by Kris Boyd.[47]

Personal

[edit]

Pearson married model and beauty pageant titleholder Aisling Friel in 2010. The couple separated in 2012.[48]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[49][50]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Continental Other[A] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Motherwell 2000–01 Scottish Premier League 6 0 0 0 0 0 — — 6 0
2001–02 Scottish Premier League 27 2 1 0 1 0 — — 29 2
2002–03 Scottish Premier League 29 6 4 0 1 0 — — 35 6
2003–04 Scottish Premier League 18 5 0 0 1 1 — — 19 6
Total 80 12 5 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 88 13
Celtic 2003–04 Scottish Premier League 17 3 5 0 0 0 6 0 — 28 3
2004–05 Scottish Premier League 8 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 — 9 0
2005–06 Scottish Premier League 18 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 — 20 2
2006–07 Scottish Premier League 13 1 0 0 2 0 4 1 — 19 2
Total 56 6 6 0 4 0 10 1 0 0 76 7
Derby County 2006–07 Championship 9 0 1 0 0 0 — 3 1 13 1
2007–08 Premier League 24 0 2 0 1 0 — — 27 0
2008–09 Championship 12 1 1 0 0 0 — — 13 1
2009–10 Championship 37 1 4 0 1 0 — — 42 1
2010–11 Championship 30 1 0 0 0 0 — — 30 1
2011–12 Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — — 1 0
Total 112 3 8 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 126 4
Stoke City (loan) 2007–08 Championship 4 0 0 0 0 0 — — 4 0
Bristol City (loan) 2011–12 Championship 28 3 1 0 0 0 — — 30 3
Bristol City 2012–13 Championship 36 3 1 0 1 0 — — 38 3
Kerala Blasters 2014 Indian Super League 17 1 0 0 0 0 — — 17 1
Motherwell 2014–15 Scottish Premiership 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 15 1
2015–16 Scottish Premiership 26 7 2 2 0 0 — — 25 9
Total 39 8 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 43 10
Atlético de Kolkata 2016 Indian Super League 11 2 — — — 1 0 11 2
Motherwell 2016–17 Scottish Premiership 11 1 0 0 0 0 — — 11 1
Career total 394 39 23 2 11 1 10 1 6 1 444 44
A. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the Football League play-offs, SPFL Play-offs and Indian Super League finals

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[51]
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland 2004 1 0
2005 5 0
2007 4 0
Total 10 0

Honours

[edit]

Celtic

Atletico de Kolkata

Derby County

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Stephen Pearson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Stephen Paul Pearson (born 2 October 1982) is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a central . Born in , , Pearson began his professional career with , where he made his debut at the age of 18 and quickly establishing himself with his dynamic runs down the wing. In January 2004, he transferred to Celtic for a fee of £350,000, going on to win two titles during his three-year stint there, while also appearing in four matches. Pearson's career continued in the English Football League, including loans and permanent moves to Derby County—where he played 24 Premier League matches—Stoke City, and Bristol City, amassing over 200 appearances across various levels. Later, he ventured abroad with short spells at Indian Super League clubs Kerala Blasters in 2014 and ATK in 2016, before returning to Motherwell for his final seasons, retiring in July 2017 after a professional career spanning over 400 club appearances and 44 goals. Internationally, Pearson represented at senior level, earning 10 caps between 2003 and 2007, including appearances in qualifiers against and Georgia.

Club career

Early career

Stephen Paul Pearson was born on 2 October 1982 in , . From a young age, he developed a passion for football through local youth setups near his hometown, eventually joining Motherwell's academy as a promising talent. Attending Our Lady's High School, situated just a short distance from Fir Park, Motherwell's stadium, Pearson progressed through the club's youth ranks, honing his skills as a versatile . Pearson turned professional with and made his senior debut on 4 March 2001, entering as a substitute in a 1–1 draw away to Hibernian at . Aged 18 at the time, he quickly adapted to first-team football, featuring in six league matches during the 2000–01 season. The following campaign, 2001–02, marked his breakthrough, with 27 league appearances and two goals, including his first senior strike for the club, as he began to showcase his pace and direct running style on the wing or in central midfield. In the 2002–03 season, Pearson emerged as a key figure in Motherwell's youthful squad, starting regularly and contributing significantly to their competitive efforts in the . He made 30 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals—including five in the league—and earning widespread praise from fans and coaches for his energy and impact. Despite the team's eventual 12th-place finish, his performances highlighted his potential as a dynamic attacker. By January 2004, after accumulating 81 senior appearances and 12 goals for in all competitions during his initial stint, Pearson attracted interest from larger clubs. He completed a transfer to Celtic for a reported fee of £350,000, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with his boyhood team and marking the end of his formative years at Fir Park.

Celtic

Pearson joined Celtic from on 9 January 2004 for a fee of £350,000, becoming Martin O'Neill's first signing of the winter . He made his debut as a late substitute in a 2–0 win over Ross County on 10 January 2004. Pearson quickly adapted to the demands of playing for Celtic, scoring his first goal for the club on 24 January 2004 in a 3–1 victory against . During the second half of the 2003–04 season, Pearson established himself as a regular squad member, making 17 league appearances and scoring 3 goals as Celtic secured the SPL title. His contributions extended to European competitions, where he featured in qualifiers, including the second leg against on 26 February 2004. In the 2004–05 season, Pearson continued to feature under O'Neill, though his league starts were limited to 8 appearances with no goals, as Celtic finished second in the SPL. The following year, with now as manager, Pearson saw increased involvement, playing 17 league games and scoring 1 goal during the campaign that culminated in Celtic's second SPL title under his tenure. He contributed 4 goals across all competitions that season, including notable performances in cup ties. Pearson made a total of 82 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, scoring 7 goals, with further involvement in qualifiers and group stage matches. One highlight was his goal in the 90th minute of a 3–0 Champions League group stage win over Benfica on 17 October 2006. However, under Strachan, Pearson's opportunities became more sporadic in the 2006–07 season, with only 12 league appearances and 1 goal before his departure. Seeking regular first-team football, he transferred to Derby County on 11 January 2007 for £750,000.

Derby County

Pearson signed for Derby County from Celtic on 11 January 2007 for a reported fee of £750,000, linking up once again with manager , who had previously given him his senior debut at . He quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut in a 2–1 league win over Cardiff City on 13 January and becoming a regular feature in the team's push for promotion from the . During the 2006–07 season, Pearson made 13 appearances across all competitions, scoring once, as Derby finished fourth in the and qualified for the playoffs. His contribution culminated in the Championship play-off final against West Bromwich Albion on 27 May 2007 at , where he scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute with a low shot past goalkeeper , securing a 1–0 victory and promotion to the . This strike, his first for the club, was famously dubbed the "£60 million goal" owing to the substantial financial boost promotion provided under the 's revenue distribution at the time. Derby's 2007–08 Premier League campaign proved challenging, with the team managing just one win all season and finishing bottom of the table with 11 points, leading to immediate relegation. Pearson featured in 24 league matches without scoring, often deployed in midfield as the side endured a record-low points total for a 38-game season. In March 2008, with Derby already doomed, he was loaned to side Stoke City until the end of the season, where he played 4 games without scoring but helped their promotion effort as they clinched the title. Pearson remained with Derby through their subsequent Championship seasons, making over 100 appearances in total for the club across all competitions and scoring 4 goals, before departing permanently to City in January 2012 following an earlier loan spell there.

Bristol City

Following his release from County, Stephen Pearson joined City on a free transfer in January 2012, signing a contract until the end of the season under manager . Pearson had already impressed during an earlier loan spell at Ashton Gate from November 2011, where he scored on his debut against in a 3–1 victory. In the 2011–12 season, he made 28 league appearances and scored 3 goals, contributing to the team's efforts to avoid relegation. Impressed by his performances, Bristol City extended Pearson's contract in June 2012 for an additional two years, securing his services through June 2014. He enjoyed a solid 2012–13 season in the , featuring in 36 league matches and scoring 3 goals, though the team ultimately finished 22nd and were relegated to League One. Pearson's consistent midfield presence provided stability during a challenging campaign marked by 18 wins and 24 losses across all competitions. Pearson occasionally captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Cole Skuse and remained a key figure in promotion efforts during the early part of the 2013–14 League One season. However, a severe ankle injury in September 2013 required surgery, sidelining him for six months and limiting him to just 6 appearances and 1 goal upon his return. Bristol City reached the League One play-off final but lost 1–0 to Preston North End, failing to secure promotion. After that saw him make 73 appearances and score 7 goals in total for the club, Pearson's contract was mutually terminated in July 2014, paving the way for his return to Scottish football with .

Kerala Blasters

Pearson joined Kerala Blasters on a free transfer from Bristol City on 31 August 2014, becoming a marquee player for the club's inaugural campaign in the Indian Super League (ISL), marking his first professional move overseas. Under player-manager Teddy Sheringham, Pearson featured in 17 matches during the 2014 season, providing experience to a squad blending young Indian talents with international stars. He scored his sole goal for the club in the 117th minute of the second leg of the ISL semi-final against Chennaiyin FC on 16 December 2014, a left-footed strike that secured a 1-3 away victory and advanced Kerala Blasters to the final on a 4-3 aggregate. Kerala Blasters ultimately lost the ISL final 0-1 to on 20 December 2014, finishing as runners-up in the league's debut season. Pearson departed the club at the end of the campaign, having been praised as a key figure whose leadership and composure contributed to the team's surprising run despite the relative inexperience of much of the roster. Reflecting on his time in India, Pearson described the ISL as a "new experience" characterized by passionate crowds of up to 60,000 and an intense, high-energy style of play, though he noted the challenges of adapting to the unfamiliar environment.

Return to Motherwell

After concluding his stint with Kerala Blasters in the , Stephen Pearson returned to his boyhood club on 19 January 2015, signing a contract until the end of the 2014–15 season at the age of 32. The move was described as a by the club, with Pearson expressing his delight at rejoining the team where he began his professional career, bringing his wealth of experience from spells at Celtic, , and to aid a side battling relegation. Pearson made an immediate impact upon his second debut for on 21 January 2015, entering as a substitute in a 4–0 Scottish Premiership defeat to Celtic. He scored his first goal of the second spell on 4 April 2015, opening the scoring in a 2–1 victory over that proved pivotal in 's survival fight. His contributions helped stabilize the squad during a challenging period, with teammate crediting Pearson's influence for the team's revival. In total, Pearson made 15 appearances and scored 1 goal across all competitions in the latter half of the 2014–15 season, as finished 11th and avoided relegation. On 3 April 2015, shortly after his goal against , Pearson signed a two-year contract extension with , committing him to the club until the summer of 2017 despite ongoing concerns. Entering the 2015–16 season, he provided vital leadership and mentorship to younger players amid a squad rebuild under manager , drawing on his international experience with to guide the team. Pearson featured in 26 matches that season, scoring 7 goals and adding 4 assists, while also netting twice in the ; his veteran presence helped foster resilience in a transitioning side before an early-season sidelined him for up to seven weeks in August 2015. Overall, across his second spell up to the summer of 2016, he recorded approximately 43 appearances and 10 goals, emphasizing quality and impact over volume.

Atlético de Kolkata

Pearson joined Atlético de Kolkata on a short-term loan from on 29 2016 ahead of the 2016 (ISL) season, marking his return to the competition after featuring for Kerala Blasters in 2014. The move allowed the 33-year-old Scottish to contribute to a squad rebuilding under new head coach , who had been appointed earlier that year to lead the defending champions. During the regular season, Pearson appeared in 11 matches, primarily operating in a defensive midfield role that provided stability and experience to the team's engine room. He scored twice, netting a crucial equalizer in a 2-1 victory over on 24 2016 with a tap-in from close range, and then restoring parity early in a 1-1 draw against Blasters on 29 , a result that helped secure Atlético de Kolkata's playoff spot by eliminating rivals. His contributions were instrumental as Atlético de Kolkata finished atop table with 18 points from 11 games, advancing directly to the final. In the ISL final on 18 December 2016 at the International Stadium in , faced Blasters and secured their second title in three years with a 1-1 draw after extra time, prevailing 4-3 in the after goals from and CK Vineeth in regulation. Pearson's loan spell concluded triumphantly with the championship medal, after which he returned to in early 2017 as a .

Motherwell (third spell)

Pearson returned to in February 2017 for a third spell at the club, signing a short-term until the end of the 2016–17 season following his loan stint with Atlético de Kolkata in the . The 34-year-old quickly integrated into the squad, making his first appearance as a substitute in a 3–0 home defeat to Heart of on 4 February. During his brief third stint, Pearson featured in 11 Scottish Premiership matches, primarily as a substitute, and contributed one goal in a 7–2 away loss to on 15 February, volleying home a effort from close range to briefly make the score 6–2. However, his time was hampered by ongoing struggles with injuries and diminished form due to age, limiting his impact on the team amid a challenging relegation battle. His final appearance came on 15 April 2017, substituting in during a 1–1 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Fir Park. Pearson's contract expired at the end of May 2017, and he was not offered an extension, marking the conclusion of his playing career at after three spells totaling 135 appearances and 23 goals. Without securing a new club, he announced his retirement from professional football on 1 July 2017, aged 34, reflecting on a career that spanned over 400 club appearances and 27 goals.

International career

Youth career

Pearson earned eight caps for the under-21 team in 2003, during which he did not score any goals. His appearances included matches in the qualification campaign for the , such as the 2–0 victory over the on 11 February 2003 and the 2–2 draw against on 6 June 2003. These outings highlighted his emerging talent as a dynamic , contributing to Scotland's efforts in competitive fixtures. In addition to his under-21 commitments, Pearson made two appearances for the Scotland B team in 2006 and 2009. These included the 0–0 draw against the B on 14 November 2006 and the 3–0 victory over B on 6 May 2009, providing valuable experience against stronger opposition and testing his readiness for senior international football. Pearson's youth international career closely paralleled his development at , where his impressive club form earned him these call-ups and demonstrated his potential for higher levels. Across these youth levels, he accumulated 10 caps, which played a key role in facilitating his transition to the full national team.

Senior career

Pearson made his senior debut for the national team on 15 2003, entering as a substitute in the 72nd minute of the play-off first leg against the at , a match won 1–0 thanks to a goal from . At 21 years old, the Lanark-born replaced late in the game, marking the first of his 10 caps for the senior side, all accumulated between 2003 and 2007. Pearson's international appearances were primarily in friendlies and qualifying campaigns, with no goals scored during his tenure. He featured as a substitute in early outings, including the 4–0 friendly loss to on 18 February 2004 and the 1–1 friendly draw with on 3 September 2004, as well as in the qualifier against Norway on 9 October 2004, which ended in a 1–0 defeat. His first start came in the 4–1 friendly loss to on 17 2004. In 2007, during the group, Pearson earned starts in several key matches, reflecting his growing role under manager . Notable among these was the 1–0 friendly victory over on 7 September 2007—a rare upset against the world runners-up—followed by a 3–1 home win over on 13 October 2007. His final cap arrived in the 2–0 away defeat to Georgia on 17 October 2007, where he started in left midfield but was substituted after 66 minutes. Despite his contributions, Pearson's opportunities were constrained by intense competition in Scotland's midfield, including from captain , limiting him to sporadic starts overall. He was often praised for his tireless work rate and energetic runs, qualities that endeared him to supporters during his brief international spell. Following the Georgia match, Pearson received no further call-ups, shifting his focus entirely to his club commitments at Derby County amid a challenging season in the English .

Post-playing career

Coaching qualifications

Following his retirement from professional football in 2017, Stephen Pearson pursued coaching credentials through the (SFA) programs, drawing on his extensive playing experience to qualify for roles in youth development. He obtained the C Licence (Children's Pathway), Advanced Children's Coaching Licence, Children's Pathway certification, Goalkeeping Coaching Certificate, and Goalkeeping Coaching Award, which prepare coaches for and introductory academy levels. He also holds a A Licence. As a football since 2017, Pearson applies his knowledge to support emerging talents, positioning him for further involvement in developmental .

Football agency

In this role [at CAA Base], he focuses on recruiting and managing emerging talent in , leveraging his extensive network from 18 years as a professional player across clubs including , Celtic, and County. Pearson holds a agent's license and contributes to the agency's operations by advising clients on transfers, negotiations, and career progression. A representative example of his work includes facilitating the €35 million permanent transfer of defender from to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025, marking one of Liverpool's significant sales that year. His background as a A-Licensed coach further supports his consultancy by providing insights into player development and tactical advice. As of 2025, Pearson remains active in football representation through CAA Base.

Personal life

Family

Stephen Pearson was born in , , on 2 October 1982. In June 2010, Pearson married Scottish model and former 2005 titleholder Aisling Friel in a private ceremony in , followed by a reception at attended by select Derby County teammates and former club figures. The union followed a two-year romance, during which Friel had worked as cabin crew for an airline. The couple separated in 2012 after two years of marriage, with no children born from the relationship. Post-separation, Pearson has kept family matters out of the public eye, and as of 2025, no additional relationships have been reported.

Other incidents

On 3 January 2012, while Stephen Pearson was playing for Bristol City in a Championship match against Millwall at Ashton Gate Stadium, his family home in Giffnock, near Glasgow, was burgled. The intruders ransacked the property, stealing computer equipment, clothing, household items, and other valuables valued at over £2,000. Police launched an investigation, describing the scene as one of the worst they had encountered recently, with the house left in disarray. Some of the stolen items were later recovered when hold-alls containing them were seized by authorities. In June 2012, Alexander Humphreys, a 52-year-old man with prior convictions for dishonesty, pleaded guilty at Paisley to reset—possessing the stolen goods—though no one was charged directly with the itself. Pearson's wife, Aisling, publicly expressed her shock on , calling it a "terrible start to the " and vowing to bolster , while Pearson himself focused on his professional commitments without further public comment on the matter. Beyond this incident, Pearson has been involved in low-key positive engagements, such as charity efforts. In 2016, he participated in Macmillan Cancer Support's Longest Day Golf Challenge, joining former Celtic teammate to play four rounds in one day and raise funds in memory of a family friend, aiming to collect £10,000 for the cause. He has also had occasional positive interactions with fans, often highlighted in media coverage of his community-oriented demeanor during his playing career, though no major controversies or further personal incidents have been reported. Pearson has maintained a clean public image throughout his career, prioritizing his football responsibilities and avoiding personal drama in the spotlight. As of 2025, no additional notable incidents have surfaced in public records or media reports.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Stephen Pearson made 440 appearances and scored 44 goals across all club competitions during his professional career. The following table summarizes his cumulative appearances and goals by club and primary period:
ClubPeriodAppearancesGoals
1999–200411111
Celtic2004–20078710
Derby County2007–2010946
Stoke City (loan)200881
Bristol City2012–20151025
Kerala Blasters2014121
Atlético de 2016121
2015–2017453
A breakdown by competition type shows the distribution of his appearances and goals:
Competition TypeAppearancesGoals
League37228
Cups525
Playoffs324
242
These figures include slight variations across sources due to differences in cup match inclusions.

International statistics

Pearson earned 10 caps for the senior national team between 2003 and 2007, scoring no goals across 5 friendlies and 5 competitive matches in UEFA Euro and qualifiers. He made his debut as a substitute in a play-off victory and featured in Scotland's campaign, but did not appear in any major tournament finals. The following table lists all of Pearson's senior international appearances:
DateOpponentResultCompetitionGoals
15 Nov 20031–0 (W) play-off0
18 Feb 20040–4 (L)Friendly0
18 Aug 20040–3 (L)Friendly0
3 Sep 20041–1 (D)Friendly0
9 Oct 20040–1 (L) 2006 qualifier0
17 Nov 20041–4 (L)Friendly0
22 Aug 20071–0 (W)Friendly0
12 Sep 20070–1 (W) qualifier0
13 Oct 20073–1 (W) qualifier0
17 Oct 2007Georgia0–2 (L) qualifier0
At youth international level, Pearson appeared 8 times for the U21 team from 2002 to 2003 and twice for the B team in 2003 and 2008, without scoring in any of these matches. The following table summarizes his youth and B team statistics:
TeamYearsAppearancesGoals
U212002–200380
B2003, 200820

Honours

Club honours

Pearson contributed to Celtic's success as a squad player during his tenure, helping the club secure the title in the 2003–04 season after joining midway through the campaign, as well as the that year, where he started in the final. He featured in 16 league matches and cup ties that season, including key fixtures as Celtic clinched the championship on the final day. In the 2005–06 season, Pearson was part of the Celtic squad that won the and , making appearances across the campaign as the team dominated domestically. His versatility in midfield supported the title-winning efforts under manager . Pearson also contributed to Celtic's 2006–07 title before his transfer in January 2007. At Derby County, Pearson played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to the by scoring the only goal in the 2007 EFL Championship play-off final against West Bromwich Albion at . His 75th-minute strike secured a 1–0 , earning Derby a place in the top flight and later dubbed the "£60 million goal" due to the financial implications of promotion. Pearson later added to his honours by winning the Indian Super League with Atlético de Kolkata in 2016, where he made 10 appearances during the regular season and contributed to the team's playoff success as a midfielder in the championship-winning squad. Pearson did not win any other major club honours during his career, though he experienced near-misses such as reaching the EFL Championship play-offs with Bristol City in 2015, where his penalty won the first-leg semi-final against Southampton 2–1, only for the team to lose 3–2 on aggregate in the second leg.

International honours

Pearson earned ten caps for the senior national team between 2003 and 2007, during which the side secured no major tournament qualifications and thus no international honours. His debut occurred as a substitute in the 1–0 victory over the in the first leg of the play-off at , though were eliminated 6–0 in the return leg for an aggregate defeat. The team finished third in their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying group behind and , failing to reach the finals. Similarly, despite strong performances including home and away wins against , dropped to third in the group after a 2–0 loss to Georgia, missing out on qualification. At youth level, Pearson participated in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers for but earned no tournament appearances or wins, as the team did not advance beyond the qualifying stages during his involvement. Pearson also made two appearances for the Scotland B team between 2003 and 2008, with no competitive honours recorded at that level.

References

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