Leicester insist that Nigel Pearson is still in charge as manager

Leicester have denied manager Nigel Pearson has been sacked by the club.

Pearson led the Foxes to the Championship title last season, but his team have picked up just 17 points from their opening 24 matches of the current Barclays Premier League campaign and sit at the foot of the table.

Following reports of Pearson being dismissed earlier in the day, Leicester issued a statement to say he remained in charge.

The statement, published on the club's official website, read: "Leicester City Football Club would like to clarify its position relative to its manager, Nigel Pearson.

"Contrary to media speculation on Sunday evening, Nigel remains the club's first team manager. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate and without foundation.

"Nigel, his staff and the first team squad are entirely focused on Tuesday night's trip to Arsenal and our continued efforts to secure our position in the Barclays Premier League."

For several hours on Sunday, Pearson's future at the club looked to be in doubt, but Leicester's late-night statement put a halt to talk that he had left.

The 51-year-old former Southampton and Hull boss was involved in a bizarre incident in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace.

He was knocked over on the touchline by Palace midfielder James McArthur after a tackle by Marc Albrighton, resulting in what was initially a friendly exchange between the Foxes boss and Scottish player.

Pearson even playfully grabbed McArthur around the throat before helping him to his feet, only to then prevent him from returning to the pitch by grabbing hold of his shirt.

That may not have reflected well on Pearson, but there is a lot of goodwill at the club for the man who brought them back to the top flight.

Former Leicester striker Gary Lineker, now host of BBC show Match of the Day, saw the early reports and thought Pearson was on his way out.

Lineker wrote on Twitter: "Not overly surprised that Nigel Pearson has been fired by Leicester, given they're bottom, but he's been a very good manager of the club.

"Not sure if yesterday's bizarre touchline behaviour had anything to do with Pearson's exit, but certainly shows how the job gets to 'em all."

However forecasts of Pearson's demise proved inaccurate, and on he continues in his job.

Pearson began his second spell as Leicester manager in November 2011, less than 18 months after departing for Hull.

His side amassed 102 points last season as they dominated the Championship, but the step up to the top flight has been difficult.

A stirring 5-3 home win over Manchester United in September augured well for their prospects, but it was followed by a distinctly lean spell and Leicester's next victory did not arrive until Pearson's charges faced his old side Hull on December 28.

A draw against Liverpool and win over Aston Villa followed, but successive defeats by Stoke, Manchester United and Palace cast new doubt over their survival chances.

Leicester presently stand four points adrift of 17th-placed Burnley, the last team in a safe position.

Pearson is due to hold a routine press conference on Monday afternoon ahead of the Emirates Stadium match.

Pearson, speaking before the conjecture over his future began, stressed he has every confidence he is going about his job the right way.

"My job and the way I operate is exactly the same as last year, and the year before and the year before that," said Pearson.

"I am a part of a process at the football club, and we are trying to turn the club into a competitive Premier League side, which has been going on since I returned to the club just over three years ago.

"As far as I'm concerned I am the same person whether we win, lose or draw."

McArthur, meanwhile, has played down what unfolded with Pearson.

Pearson launched a critical attack on McArthur's old club Wigan and former manager Uwe Rosler after failing to sign him last summer as bids of B£5million and B£7million were rejected.

McArthur, who eventually moved to Palace for B£7million, said via Sport Lobster: "Situation with me and Nigel Pearson is getting blown out of proportion."