agree 100% with OP, a lot of people aren't keen on Pearson but I've always found him thoughtful, intelligent and a damn good manager - it would also be a good career move for him - the only thing is how he'd deal with SP, he could a Pulis/Allardyce and b*gger off once he's got us safe.

He is a manager that will challenge hierarchy, however I think in a proactive and constructive way. Despite falling out with the Leicester owners, they appointed him at their franchise club which I think speaks volumes. I this SP would respect him and he could take us forward.

I don’t think there are any better candidates out there with a better CV.

Did he relegate Southampton, when was that? The stint I am aware of, he kept them up on the final day after coming in for a rescue job in February?

He has more premier league experience than Frank Lampard, Cooper and Frank?

That’s good, for a minute I thought my ‘never been relegated’ stat was incorrect.

His team stayed up at the expense of Leicester, went to Leicester and got them promoted. Manderic then sacked him. New owners went back to him and then got a second promotion. Perhaps, he might not be the problem and I think our owners need challenging. We all want to push on, but how can we really expect change if we just have nodding dogs in charge all the time?

Isn't that just what we need at the moment? Someone who will say it as it is.

Denial is not just a river in Egypt

I want our manager to motivate, be successful and play decent, entertaining football...Not be a nice person.

I’d take Pearson over Howe any day.

(I do however acknowledge your first hand experiences that he is a bellend)