Pearce backs City chairman's right to criticise

The Manchester City manager, Stuart Pearce, has backed the right of his chairman, John Wardle, to offer public opinions on the performance of the club.

Wardle launched a stinging attack on the Blues on Monday, describing Saturday's four-goal hammering at Wigan as "an embarrassment", adding that a repeat performance would not be tolerated. Although the outburst is said to have been aimed at the players, Pearce can hardly avoid the spotlight as he has brought many of the worst offenders in. However, rather than object to Wardle's intervention, the City manager has backed his view of the Wigan debacle. And, given Wardle's status as an investor and a lifelong fan, Pearce feels the chairman can say what he likes.

"The chairman has put a great deal of money into this club so he is at liberty to say that," Pearce said. "He is a supporter like the people sat behind the goal, he just has a different seat and puts a suit on. The bottom line is that everyone's opinion is very similar about the result on Saturday."

While in no way a meddling chairman, Wardle visits the City training ground frequently and is acutely aware of the hard work Pearce is putting in as he attempts to end the inconsistency which has seen his side not concede a goal at home this season, while picking up just one away point. "As I have said before, there is no hiding place for anyone at this club," added Pearce. "People pay their money to watch their team and they are entitled to express an opinion. I would probably have said the same thing if I had been sat in their seats. The fans have always backed this football club from start to finish. It is down to me to say to the players 'You have to match the passion that the supporters have for this football club'."