Well I'm going to take some issue with this topic. People have extreamly short memories because for one I remember the noise generated by fans who on Keegan's departure in March 2005 were crying out for Pearce to be given the job. That issue aside, I also recollect feeling somewhat dispondent at the start of 2005-06 when as replacement for SWP we were 'treated' to mssrs Cole and Vassell. However looking back they were two excellent signings and that season only went wrong when we lost Cole to injury in January 2006. Prior to this we had some great result and sat reasonably well placed in the league. Losing Cole for 2006-07 was a major blow and to this day I do not know why Pearce decided to effectivally exchange Cole for Corradi? Finally, consider this. Pearce for his many faults, kept us in the Prem with virtually nothing, relative to many other clubs in that period. It was poor fare for most of the fans who watched, true, but he kept us in there long enough for the eventual takeover and the rest is history. When you compare that to some of the utter sh*te we have been offered this season by players apparently so much better than Pearce's, I think his record stands up fairly well, all things considered.