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GOOD TO BE BACK - PEARCE

Posted on: Tue 10 Aug 2010

Tickets are still available for tonight's game priced £10 adults and £5 concessions. They can be purchased online or by or by phone - 0871 222 66 66 (option 1) - until 5pm; alternatively they can be bought on the night at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Stuart Pearce is looking forward to his return to Ashton Gate as England under-21 boss tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).

It was at City's home ground that the former England full-back took charge of his first game as manager at this level in August 2007 - a 1-1 draw with Romania which attracted a 18,500 crowd.

Now three years later he is preparing to lead his Young Lions into a friendly clash with Uzbekistan at the same venue.

And he told Player: "The last time we were here it was my first full game in charge and we almost sold out, which was fantastic.

"Obviously in the present economic climate it will be a little more difficult to do that, but I still expect to draw a big crowd.

"Whatever the case, it is great venue where we have always been made very welcome and we expect the same this evening."

He added: "With the senior team at Wembley I think it is vital the under-21s go around the country - I wouldn't be in favour of one set base for the under-21s.

"It is important players have contact with the local community wherever we visit and it gives them the opportunity to see Premier League players in action."

Pearce said he had been struck how much things had changed at Bristol City since his last visit.

He said: "With Steve Coppell coming in, and David James a flagship signing, it has put the club on the map and from here they will expecting to push on for the Premier League.

"It is a fantastic footballing area and one that would benefit from having a top-flight club."

Pearce, who is also a member of Fabio Capello's coaching staff, also gave hope of an international return to City keeper David James after his omission from the full squad to face Hungary on Wednesday.

"With Steve Coppell coming in, and David James a flagship signing, it has put the club on the map and from here they will expecting to push on for the Premier League." 
Stuart Pearce
He said: "The door isn't shut on anybody unless they decide not to play for whatever reason.

"You want to pick your best possible players and David played in three out of four games at the World Cup. If his form is good enough he'll force his way back.

"He has always kept himself open to play for England and is very passionate about playing for his country. It will have hurt him a bit when he found out he was not in the squad but I'm sure he'll want to roll his sleeves up and respond in the best possible way."

He added: "I wasn't totally surprised [he moved to Bristol City]. I have a lot of respect for Steve Coppell and it didn't surprise me David came here to join him.

"I'm sure he had offers from quite a few clubs. He is 40 years old but still extremely fit.

"I worked with David at Manchester City when he wanted to leave and go to the south of England because of family commitments.

"When I heard that he wanted to stay in this location it didn't surprise me because his family are important to him."

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