Newcastle's Premier League Managers Ranked As Players - Worst To Best

12. Nigel Pearson

Newcastle United Manager: 2007 (Caretaker) and 2008 (Caretaker) Position: Centre-Back Clubs Played For: Shrewsbury Town (1981-87), Sheffield Wednesday (1987-94), Middlesbrough (1994-98) League Appearances (Goals): 448 (24) International Side (Caps/Goals): N/A Honours (As A Player): 1991 League Cup (Sheffield Wednesday); 1994-95 Division One Title (Middlesbrough)

Nigel Pearson is not someone you would mess with as a manager - and the same was definitely true as a player. The Nottingham-born defender played for Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough and racked up 448 league appearances. Although he did appear in the top flight with the Boro, a large portion of his career was spent in the lower divisions. A solid and dependable defender - and a brilliant captain - Pearson did not receive any international honours, although he did lift the 1991 League Cup with Wednesday.