Nigel Pearson Sacked as Leicester City Manager: Latest Details and Reaction

Leicester City announced Tuesday that manager Nigel Pearson has been "relieved of his duties" and will depart the club for a second time.   

The Foxes confirmed the news on Twitter:

Leicester expanded on their decision in a statement on their official website, saying: 

"

The Board of Directors recognises the success Nigel has helped to bring to Leicester City during his two spells in charge of the Club, particularly during the last three and a half years. However, it has become clear to the Club that fundamental differences in perspective exist between us. Regrettably, the Club believes that the working relationship between Nigel and the Board is no longer viable. 

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The statement added that owners Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha "remain wholly committed to the Club’s long-term development and to on going investment in a squad that will continue to be competitive in the Premier League."

Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh will take over first-team duties until a new manager can be appointed.

The news comes as a shock after Pearson successfully kept Leicester in the Premier League and guided them to a 14th-placed finish after enjoying a phenomenal run of form in the latter stages of the season.

Squawka highlight their run:

Former Foxes striker Gary Lineker took to Twitter to voice his displeasure at the decision:

The 51-year-old was in his second spell at the club, after he was replaced by Paulo Sousa at the King Power Stadium in 2010.

Though Pearson kept his team spirited and performing well throughout the season, even when bottom of the league, he was involved in a number of controversial incidents that could offer some explanation as to his dismissal.

In February, Pearson was in a bizarre touchline clash with Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur, in which he appeared to grab the 27-year-old's throat. In April, he stormed out of a press conference after calling a journalist an "ostrich."

Regardless, the search for a new manager begins for Leicester, whose first task will be to get star player Esteban Cambiasso to sign a new contract, as well as making further additions in the transfer market.

The middle of the summer is arguably the best time to change managers in order to reduce the disruption it will have on the team, but time will tell as to whom Leicester will go for and how they will fare next season.