Krystian Pearce
Encyclopedia
Krystian Mitchell Victor Pearce (born 5 January 1990) is an English professional
footballer who plays for Notts County
as a central defender
. He had an earlier spell on loan at Notts County, and also played in the Football League
for Port Vale
, Scunthorpe United
, Peterborough United
and Huddersfield Town
. He represented England
at the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
, where they reached the final, and at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
. In September 2007 he made his debut for the England under-19
team, the year above his actual age group, and played at the finals of the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
.
and started his career at Sunday league side Kingsdown Colts before joining Birmingham City's Academy when he was ten years old. He began as a striker
but converted to play in defence. He was first given a squad number
in January 2007 when included in the travelling squad for the FA Cup
replay at Newcastle United
but did not make the final 16. Two months later he signed his first professional contract, due to expire in 2009. He made frequent appearances for Birmingham City's reserve team
, winners of their division of the Central League. As captain of the under-18 side, he scored the winning goal which put his team through to the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup
, in which he conceded a penalty
as Birmingham lost to Manchester United
. Singled out in Academy manager Terry Westley
's end-of-season report as "the one name that does stand out in terms of what he has achieved", Pearce was chosen as Academy Player of the Season for 2006–07.
match at Blackburn Rovers
, but remained an unused substitute
.
On 8 November 2007 Pearce signed a one-month loan deal at Football League Two
side Notts County
in order to gain experience. He made his competitive debut two days later in the starting eleven for Notts County's 3–0 FA Cup
first round win over Histon
,
and the following Saturday made his Football League debut for the club, playing the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 defeat at home to Macclesfield Town
. On 8 December he scored his first senior goal, in a 2–1 win against Shrewsbury Town
,
contributing to him being named in the League Two Team of the Week,
after which his loan was extended for a further month. A sending-off for a clumsy challenge failed to dampen County's wish to extend the loan again, but Birmingham recalled the player at the expiry of the second month so that new manager Alex McLeish
could assess him as possible cover during Radhi Jaïdi
's absence at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
On 31 January 2008, Pearce joined Port Vale
of League One
on loan for an initial period of one month to gain experience at a higher level. This loan spell was disrupted by another red card, this time for two bookings,
resulting in a two-game ban which left the player anxious to make amends. This loan was twice extended, up to the maximum permissible 93 days, though an ankle injury cut short his stay with the club.
On 19 August 2008, Pearce joined League One club Scunthorpe United
on loan for a month, later extended, initially until 5 January 2008, then until the end of the season, including, if necessary, for the play-offs
. Pearce scored twice for Scunthorpe, once in the league against Swindon Town
and once in the Football League Trophy against Rotherham United
.
on a season-long loan on 20 July 2009. In the starting eleven for the League Cup win against Wycombe Wanderers
in August, he had to wait until late September for his first League appearance, as a second-half substitute in a poor team performance as Peterborough lost 2–0 away at Blackpool
. In contention to start the next game, Pearce remained among the substitutes as changes were made in defence, and his 20-minute appearance as Peterborough lost 2–1 at home to Plymouth Argyle
was his last League outing for the club. Pearce remained out of favour as Mark Cooper succeeded Darren Ferguson
as manager, and in January 2010 the loan was cut short and the player returned to Birmingham.
side Huddersfield Town
on an emergency loan deal, to be made permanent the following day. He made his debut for the Terriers as a half-time substitute in the 5–0 defeat by Southampton
at St Mary's Stadium
on 2 March. That game turned out to be Pearce's only appearance for Huddersfield, as loan signing Neal Trotman
was preferred, and the player left the club at the end of the 2009–10 season having failed to reach agreement on a new deal.
in training, only weeks after a similar collision with Manchester City
's Mario Balotelli
in an FA Cup match. He remained unconscious for two to three minutes and was detained in hospital where he was found to have blood on the brain. Manager Paul Ince
said it was "a massive blow" to lose Pearce from the defence for an expected six weeks as the team battled against relegation. He made a unexpected return to action in a 1–1 draw against Brentford
on 25 April; in his absence, County had lost nine successive games. His performances over the season led to his nomination for the club's Player of the Season award.
Pearce scored his first goal of the 2011–12 campaign in a 3–2 victory against Tranmere Rovers
in August. He was handed the captaincy for the game against Preston North End
for which regular captain Neal Bishop
was suspended. He scored his second goal of the season against Bournemouth
in a 3–1 win.
on 27 October 2006 in a UEFA
mini-tournament against Portugal
, and was part of the squad which qualified for the final stages of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship
held in Belgium
in May 2007. He started all of England's games in those finals, and scored their opening goal, his first at international level, helping them to reach the final in which they lost 1–0 to Spain
.
England's performance in the UEFA championships earned them qualification for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
in South Korea
. Again Pearce was in the starting eleven for each of England's games, and scored the second goal in their win over Syria
U-17 in the round of 16, described in FIFA
's match report as: "Once again, another Porritt cross caused problems for Mohamad Aljomaa's side, the ball fell to centre half Krystian Pearce, who showed all the composure of a striker, taking two touches before hitting a low shot into the net."
During both the European and World tournaments, Pearce formed a sound defensive partnership with team captain Jordan Spence
of West Ham United
; Sir Trevor Brooking
, the Football Association
's Director of Football Development, tipped the pair for future success. Pearce was described in an article on the FA's website as "arguably England’s best player at the World Cup".
In September 2007 Pearce was called up to the England under-19
squad for the qualifying tournament for the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
, despite being a year younger than most of the squad. He played the whole of England's first two games and was rested for the third, coming on at half time and scoring the third goal in a 3–1 win. Called up for a friendly against Russia
under-19 in March 2008, Pearce was withdrawn and allowed to play for his loan club Port Vale
, on the grounds that both England under-19 coach Brian Eastick
and Birmingham City saw "playing in a League One game against Gillingham as being beneficial to his development". He was part of the under-19 squad which topped their group at the elite qualification stage
, starting in their second match and coming on as a very late substitute in the third. In England's first group match in the finals
, a lack of communication between Pearce and his goalkeeper cost England a goal against their Czech
counterparts. He retained his starting place for the remaining group games, keeping clean sheets in a goalless draw with Italy
, where he made a vital late interception, and a 3–0 defeat of Greece
. Though England failed to reach the semifinals, their performance was good enough to qualify for the final stages of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup
.
Pearce took part in two of the three group matches in the first qualifying round
for the 2009 European Under-19 Championships
, as a half-time substitute in a 3–1 victory over their Northern Irish
counterparts which ensured qualification for the elite qualification round, and playing the whole of the 4–1 defeat by Serbia
.
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
footballer who plays for Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
as a central defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
. He had an earlier spell on loan at Notts County, and also played in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
for Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
, Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
, Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
and Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
. He represented England
England national under-17 football team
-Elite Qualifying Group 3:-Group stage:-Fifth place play-off:-FA International U17 Tournament:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship qualifying round....
at the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
The UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship 2007 Final Tournament was held in Belgium from May 2, 2007, to May 13, 2007. Top 5 teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007...
, where they reached the final, and at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 was held in the Korea Republic between 18 August and 9 September 2007. For this event, the number of teams had been expanded from 16 to 24, with the top two of each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the Round of 16...
. In September 2007 he made his debut for the England under-19
England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
team, the year above his actual age group, and played at the finals of the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The final tournament of the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship was the 24th UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, UEFA's premier competition for players under the age of 19. The tournament was held in the Czech Republic with matches played from 14 July to 26 July 2008. Players born...
.
Birmingham City
Pearce was born in BirminghamBirmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
and started his career at Sunday league side Kingsdown Colts before joining Birmingham City's Academy when he was ten years old. He began as a striker
Striker
Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals...
but converted to play in defence. He was first given a squad number
Squad number (association football)
As in other team sports, squad numbers are used in association football to identify and distinguish players on the field. Numbers were originally used to also indicate position, with starting players being assigned numbers 1-11, but most competitions and leagues now use squad numbers.-First use of...
in January 2007 when included in the travelling squad for the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
replay at Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
but did not make the final 16. Two months later he signed his first professional contract, due to expire in 2009. He made frequent appearances for Birmingham City's reserve team
Birmingham City F.C. Reserves and Academy
Birmingham City F.C. Reserves and Academy are the reserve team and the youth development system respectively of Birmingham City Football Club. The reserve team, established in 1879, played in the Premier Reserve League South in the 2009–10 season but have not entered a league since...
, winners of their division of the Central League. As captain of the under-18 side, he scored the winning goal which put his team through to the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup
FA Youth Cup
The Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
, in which he conceded a penalty
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
as Birmingham lost to Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. Singled out in Academy manager Terry Westley
Terry Westley
Terry Westley is an association football coach and manager. Until 2011 he was the Academy Director at Birmingham City.Westley previously worked at Rushden & Diamonds, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, Luton Town and Derby County. At these clubs he was responsible for developing young players, who...
's end-of-season report as "the one name that does stand out in terms of what he has achieved", Pearce was chosen as Academy Player of the Season for 2006–07.
2007–08 season
He was given a squad number for the 2007–08 season and included in Birmingham's squad for the League CupFootball League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
match at Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
, but remained an unused substitute
Substitute (football)
In association football, a substitute is a player who is brought on to the pitch during a match in exchange for an existing player. Substitutions are generally made to replace a player who has become tired or injured, or who is not performing well; there may also be tactical reasons such as...
.
On 8 November 2007 Pearce signed a one-month loan deal at Football League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
in order to gain experience. He made his competitive debut two days later in the starting eleven for Notts County's 3–0 FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
first round win over Histon
Histon F.C.
Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league...
,
and the following Saturday made his Football League debut for the club, playing the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 defeat at home to Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield Town F.C.
Macclesfield Town Football Club is an English football team. The club was formed in 1874 and is based in the town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The team play its home games at the 6,355 capacity Moss Rose stadium...
. On 8 December he scored his first senior goal, in a 2–1 win against Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
,
contributing to him being named in the League Two Team of the Week,
after which his loan was extended for a further month. A sending-off for a clumsy challenge failed to dampen County's wish to extend the loan again, but Birmingham recalled the player at the expiry of the second month so that new manager Alex McLeish
Alex McLeish
Alexander "Alex" McLeish , is a Scottish former professional footballer and manager, who is currently managing English Premier League club Aston Villa...
could assess him as possible cover during Radhi Jaïdi
Radhi Jaïdi
Radhi Ben Abdelmajid Jaïdi is a Tunisian footballer who joined Npower Championship club Southampton in September 2009. He plays as a centre back.-Club career:...
's absence at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
On 31 January 2008, Pearce joined Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
of League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
on loan for an initial period of one month to gain experience at a higher level. This loan spell was disrupted by another red card, this time for two bookings,
resulting in a two-game ban which left the player anxious to make amends. This loan was twice extended, up to the maximum permissible 93 days, though an ankle injury cut short his stay with the club.
2008–09 season
In May 2008 Pearce signed a new two-year contract with Birmingham, in recognition of his performances while on loan and his potential to develop into a first-team player.On 19 August 2008, Pearce joined League One club Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
on loan for a month, later extended, initially until 5 January 2008, then until the end of the season, including, if necessary, for the play-offs
Football League One play-offs
The Football League One Playoffs are a series of playoff matches, contested by the teams finishing from 3rd to 6th in the NPower Football League One table to determine the third spot for promotion to the second tier of English football, the Championship....
. Pearce scored twice for Scunthorpe, once in the league against Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
and once in the Football League Trophy against Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
.
2009–10 season
Pearce signed for Peterborough UnitedPeterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
on a season-long loan on 20 July 2009. In the starting eleven for the League Cup win against Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
in August, he had to wait until late September for his first League appearance, as a second-half substitute in a poor team performance as Peterborough lost 2–0 away at Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
. In contention to start the next game, Pearce remained among the substitutes as changes were made in defence, and his 20-minute appearance as Peterborough lost 2–1 at home to Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
was his last League outing for the club. Pearce remained out of favour as Mark Cooper succeeded Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson is a Scottish football manager and former player, currently in his second spell as the manager of Peterborough United...
as manager, and in January 2010 the loan was cut short and the player returned to Birmingham.
Huddersfield Town
On 19 January 2010, Pearce joined Football League OneFootball League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
on an emergency loan deal, to be made permanent the following day. He made his debut for the Terriers as a half-time substitute in the 5–0 defeat by Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
at St Mary's Stadium
St Mary's Stadium
St Mary's Stadium is the home of Southampton F.C., in the city of Southampton. It is a UEFA 4-star rated stadium and with a capacity of 32,689 is the largest football stadium in the south of England, outside of London.-History:...
on 2 March. That game turned out to be Pearce's only appearance for Huddersfield, as loan signing Neal Trotman
Neal Trotman
Neal Anthony Trotman is an English footballer who currently plays for Football League One side Rochdale. He plays as a central defender. He has a twin brother named Leon..-Oldham Athletic:...
was preferred, and the player left the club at the end of the 2009–10 season having failed to reach agreement on a new deal.
Notts County
After a successful trial, Pearce signed a one-year deal with former club Notts County in August 2010. He established himself as a first-team regular and was rewarded with a contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2013. In March 2011, he suffered serious injury after a clash of heads with teammate Stephen DarbyStephen Darby
Stephen Mark Darby is an English footballer who plays in the right-back position for Rochdale on loan from Liverpool. Darby was brought up in Maghull, where he attended St John Boscos primary school.-Liverpool:...
in training, only weeks after a similar collision with Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
's Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli is an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for English team Manchester City and the Italian national team.He started his professional football career at Lumezzane and only played for the first team twice before having an unsuccessful trial at FC Barcelona, and subsequently...
in an FA Cup match. He remained unconscious for two to three minutes and was detained in hospital where he was found to have blood on the brain. Manager Paul Ince
Paul Ince
Paul Emerson Carlyle Ince is an English football manager and a former professional player. He has managed Blackburn Rovers, Milton Keynes Dons and Macclesfield Town...
said it was "a massive blow" to lose Pearce from the defence for an expected six weeks as the team battled against relegation. He made a unexpected return to action in a 1–1 draw against Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
on 25 April; in his absence, County had lost nine successive games. His performances over the season led to his nomination for the club's Player of the Season award.
Pearce scored his first goal of the 2011–12 campaign in a 3–2 victory against Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
in August. He was handed the captaincy for the game against Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
for which regular captain Neal Bishop
Neal Bishop
Neal Robert Bishop is an English footballer who plays for Notts County as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Stockton-on-Tees, North East England, Bishop began his career with Middlesbrough in their youth system. After being released by Middlesbrough as a teenager he moved to Northern League side...
was suspended. He scored his second goal of the season against Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
in a 3–1 win.
International career
Pearce was first capped at under-17 level for EnglandEngland national under-17 football team
-Elite Qualifying Group 3:-Group stage:-Fifth place play-off:-FA International U17 Tournament:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship qualifying round....
on 27 October 2006 in a UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
mini-tournament against Portugal
Portugal national under-17 football team
The Portugal national under-17 football team represents Portugal in international football at this age level and is controlled by Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, the governing body for football in Portugal.-FIFA U-17 World Cup Championship Record:...
, and was part of the squad which qualified for the final stages of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship
2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
The UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship 2007 Final Tournament was held in Belgium from May 2, 2007, to May 13, 2007. Top 5 teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007...
held in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
in May 2007. He started all of England's games in those finals, and scored their opening goal, his first at international level, helping them to reach the final in which they lost 1–0 to Spain
Spain national under-17 football team
The Spain national under-17 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain....
.
England's performance in the UEFA championships earned them qualification for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 was held in the Korea Republic between 18 August and 9 September 2007. For this event, the number of teams had been expanded from 16 to 24, with the top two of each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the Round of 16...
in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. Again Pearce was in the starting eleven for each of England's games, and scored the second goal in their win over Syria
Syria national football team
The Syria national football team represents Syria in association football and is controlled by the Syrian Football Association, the governing body for football in Syria. Syria's home grounds are Abbasiyyin Stadium and Aleppo International Stadium...
U-17 in the round of 16, described in FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
's match report as: "Once again, another Porritt cross caused problems for Mohamad Aljomaa's side, the ball fell to centre half Krystian Pearce, who showed all the composure of a striker, taking two touches before hitting a low shot into the net."
During both the European and World tournaments, Pearce formed a sound defensive partnership with team captain Jordan Spence
Jordan Spence
Jordan Spence is an English professional footballer who plays for Bristol City on loan from West Ham United. Spence plays predominantly as a right-back, but can also operate as a centre-back.-West Ham United:...
of West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
; Sir Trevor Brooking
Trevor Brooking
Sir Trevor David Brooking CBE is a football player turned manager, on-air analyst, and administrator.Brooking attended Ripple Infants School and left Ilford County High School with 11 O-levels and 2 A-levels....
, the Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
's Director of Football Development, tipped the pair for future success. Pearce was described in an article on the FA's website as "arguably England’s best player at the World Cup".
In September 2007 Pearce was called up to the England under-19
England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
squad for the qualifying tournament for the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
, despite being a year younger than most of the squad. He played the whole of England's first two games and was rested for the third, coming on at half time and scoring the third goal in a 3–1 win. Called up for a friendly against Russia
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
under-19 in March 2008, Pearce was withdrawn and allowed to play for his loan club Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
, on the grounds that both England under-19 coach Brian Eastick
Brian Eastick
Brian Eastick is an association football coach. Since 2009 he has been head coach of the England under-20 team.-Playing career:As a young player at Crystal Palace, Eastick was capped at England under-18 level.-Coaching career:...
and Birmingham City saw "playing in a League One game against Gillingham as being beneficial to his development". He was part of the under-19 squad which topped their group at the elite qualification stage
2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship elite qualification
UEFA U-19 Championship 2008 is the second round of qualifications for the Final Tournament of UEFA U-19 Championship 2008. The winners of each group join hosts Czech Republic at the Final Tournament.-Group 1:--------------------...
, starting in their second match and coming on as a very late substitute in the third. In England's first group match in the finals
2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The final tournament of the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Championship was the 24th UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, UEFA's premier competition for players under the age of 19. The tournament was held in the Czech Republic with matches played from 14 July to 26 July 2008. Players born...
, a lack of communication between Pearce and his goalkeeper cost England a goal against their Czech
Czech Republic national football team
The Czech Republic national football team represents the Czech Republic in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic, the governing body for football in the Czech Republic. Their current head coach is Michal Bílek...
counterparts. He retained his starting place for the remaining group games, keeping clean sheets in a goalless draw with Italy
Italy national under-19 football team
The Italy national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of Italy and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation.The team competes in the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, held every year....
, where he made a vital late interception, and a 3–0 defeat of Greece
Greece national under-19 football team
-Group 3:- Current squad :Represented Greece in the UEFA under 19 championship July 20- August 1 2011- See also :* Greece Under-19 2007 national team* Greece Under-19 2007 national team- External links :*...
. Though England failed to reach the semifinals, their performance was good enough to qualify for the final stages of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup
2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, was the 17th U-20 tournament, which was hosted by Egypt from 24 September to 16 October, in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Suez and Ismaïlia...
.
Pearce took part in two of the three group matches in the first qualifying round
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualification
2009 UEFA U-19 Championship was the first round of qualifications for the Final Tournament of 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. The final tournament of the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship is preceded by two qualification stages: a qualifying round and an Elite round...
for the 2009 European Under-19 Championships
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:---------Final:-Top goalscorers:4 goals Nathan Delfouneso3 goals Henri Lansbury Danijel Aleksić Denys Harmash-External links:*...
, as a half-time substitute in a 3–1 victory over their Northern Irish
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
counterparts which ensured qualification for the elite qualification round, and playing the whole of the 4–1 defeat by Serbia
Serbia national under-19 football team
The Serbia national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of Serbia and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia....
.
Style of play
Pearce is good in the air, as one would expect of a large man, and has pace and composure. He is equally comfortable with the ball at his feet and does not lack confidence. According to Birmingham Academy manager Terry Westley, "he has pace and power in abundance and he will be an absolute giant when he stops growing. He's strong, he's tidied up his feet and he's another ... who is not flash or arrogant. He thrives on being pushed." His nickname is "Chief", because "one of the [Birmingham] coaches said he saw a movie and there was a chief in it who didn't talk much but everyone looked up to him and respected him. I am like that so everyone gave me the name."Club level
.| Club performance | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| 2007–08 | Birmingham City Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... |
Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007–08 | Notts County Notts County F.C. Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system... |
League Two Football League Two Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| 2007–08 2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season The 2007–08 season was Port Vale's ninety-sixth season of football in the Football League, and fourth successive season in League One. Vale finished second-from-bottom, and were relegated, some twelve points from safety. Manager Martin Foyle left the club in September, and Lee Sinnott failed to... |
Port Vale Port Vale F.C. Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as... |
League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| 2008–09 | Birmingham City | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008–09 | Scunthorpe United Scunthorpe United F.C. Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One.... |
League One | 40 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5a | 1 | 47 | 2 |
| 2009–10 | Birmingham City | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009–10 2009–10 Peterborough United F.C. season During the 2009–10 Peterborough United F.C. season saw the club play in the Football League Championship after promotion from Football League One in 2008–09.-Squad:- References :... |
Peterborough United Peterborough United F.C. Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is... |
Championship | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2009–10 | Huddersfield Town Huddersfield Town F.C. Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One... |
League One | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Notts County F.C. season Notts County are the oldest club in the Football League and the 2010-11 season will be their 122nd year in The Football League. After a successful season in League Two, the club gained promotion to League One following a win against Morecambe on 17 April 2010 and were crowned as League Two... |
Notts County Notts County F.C. Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system... |
League One | 27 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1a | 0 | 35 | 2 |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Notts County F.C. season The 2011–12 season will be Notts County Football Club 123rd year in The Football League.-Kits:Fila will become Notts County's kit suppliers this season, after signing a three year contract... |
Notts County | League One | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Career total | 97 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 117 | 7 | ||
- a. Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
Honours
- with Birmingham City
- Academy Player of the season 2006–07.
- Pontin Holidays Reserve League Division One Central champions 2007.
- with England under-17
- UEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipThe UEFA U-17 Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. From 1982 to 2001 it was an Under-16 event.This meeting serves as a preliminary competition for the FIFA U-17 World Cup every other year....
runners-up 20072007 UEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship 2007 Final Tournament was held in Belgium from May 2, 2007, to May 13, 2007. Top 5 teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007...
.
- UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
External links
- Profile at the official Notts County website