Nigel Pearson

[DJ]

It was saddening to hear of the sudden, untimely death of sports broadcaster and writer Nigel Pearson on Friday, aged just 52.

Some will recall his association with Halesowen Town around the late 1980s/early 1990s era as the Sports Editor of the Halesowen News, although I’m sure many may not be aware of this.

Before the Harry Rudge Stand was built, the ‘press box’ was a simple wooden shed on the corner of the ground near the present James Grove Lounge. Team line-up and match announcements were made from here and it often fell to the press reporter of the day to perform this role (ahead of me taking this on in 1990). The story goes that Nigel was performing this duty and was heard by Colin Pratt, the promoter of Cradley Heath speedway, who then asked Nigel if he’d be interested in joining the speedway as an announcer. The rest, as they say, is history as Nigel’s career blossomed and he became a legendary speedway, football and darts commentator especially with Sky Sports and TalkSPORT, amongst others.

Here is Nigel Pearson with Harry Rudge (and a competition winner) ahead of the 1-0 home win against Wealdstone in September 1990.

[DJ]

And here is Nigel Pearson’s report on the big Yeltz FA Cup game against Tranmere Rovers in November, 1990.