Ian Pearce back in football

Former Lincoln defender and assistant manager Ian Pearce has returned to football for the first time since leaving the Imps. Pearce and manager Chris Sutton left the Imps in September after an unsuccessful year in charge, both have been out of football since but Pearce has popped up in the non-league.

When Kingstonian fans lined up against Lowestoft at the weekend, there was a surprise addition to their line up as Ian Pearce made his way out on to the pitch, a game that Kingstonian would win 2-0.

Speaking to the Surrey Comet, manager Alan Dowson revealed how the surprise move came about. "I knew without Gary MacDonald in the team we were a bit short in height and Ian brings leadership as well. I rang him up to see if he wanted a game and he said that would not be a problem and was happy to help us out. What he has won and what he has done in the game brings great experience to the side. Defence has been our biggest problem this season but on Saturday we defended very well, particularly in the second half."

Pearce had been out of football since quitting as assistant manager in September, leaving his role just minutes after manager Chris Sutton also quit. It capped off exactly twelve months at Sincil Bank where the duo failed to get City clear of the relegation zone.