I expect us to be involved in the promotion race says Pearson

The 46-year-old's decision to swap Leicester for Hull, as he did earlier this week when accepting a 12-month rolling contract at the KC Stadium, is one that has left many in the game scratching their heads.

On the surface, it seems Pearson has left behind a successful side who only missed out on a place in the Championship play-off final last season on penalties to take charge of a club seemingly mired in debt and facing an uncertain future.

Ask the man himself, however, and two major factors behind his decision quickly emerge: he feels wanted at the KC Stadium and is genuinely excited by the challenge of reviving Hull's fortunes.

"It all happened very quickly," admitted the former Sheffield Wednesday defender yesterday in his new office at Hull's Cottingham training ground.

"Hull made an official approach to Leicester and I think it surprised both Hull and myself that they allowed Hull to speak to me.

"That sequence of events as much as anything helped me to make my decision. I didn't expect them to grant permission. But, it has happened and I am delighted to be here.

"I see this as a challenge and something I am looking forward to immensely."

Is swapping Leicester for Hull a gamble though?

"Only time will tell," replied Pearson. "You make decisions in life based on how you feel about things and I am quite happy to follow my instincts.

"I do speak to other people who I trust, and my family as well.

"But, once I met Adam (Pearson, head of football operations) and Russell (Bartlett, owner) last week and they talked about their aspirations for the club and how they saw the club developing, it became straight-forward.

"The finances are going to be important but it is probably more stable than people might think.

"I want to be successful. I know there will be a few people that are a little bit surprised. But I am not too bothered about what other people might think."

As the Hull squad prepare to return for pre-season training today, clear parallels are apparent between the task facing Pearson now and what he had to tackle head-on after taking over at Leicester two years ago.

The Foxes had just been relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history and were facing an uncertain future. An overhaul of the squad was needed, as was a banishing of the losing mentality that had led to the club's demise.

Pearson, whose previous managerial experience included stints at Carlisle United and Southampton, quickly set about the task with relish.

He proved so successful that by Christmas 2008, the question was when promotion from League One would be clinched rather than if.

Now, faced with a similar scenario albeit in the division above, Pearson will draw on that experience to try to bring about a similar transformation on the banks of the Humber.

He said: "In some ways, it is pretty similar to when I went into Leicester. I am taking over a side that has been relegated and there is a lot of work to do behind the scenes.

"The key is we have got to get it right on the pitch with our organisation and how we play.

"We also have to create an environment where people want to work and enjoy coming to work.

"We need to take pride in what we want to achieve. It is not straight-forward but everyone that is involved with the club will play their part.

"The onus will be on me and the staff to play a big part in creating that environment but the players need to buy into it. The early days will be very interesting to see how the players shape up."

Having steered Leicester to fifth place last term, Pearson knows all about what challenge awaits the Tigers on their return to the Championship.

He is, however, bullish about the Yorkshire club's chances.

"At Leicester, we had an inner belief in our own ability. That is the same with all sides who have some success.

"Unfortunately for us, we couldn't go all the way to promotion (last season) but I felt that the club made great strides.

"I am certainly proud of what we achieved there and I wish them well. Now, I am looking forward to this challenge.

"Time will tell how we do. But I would expect us to be involved in the promotion race, simple as that.

"Whether we can do it automatically or otherwise remains to be seen. But I think it is important to set high standards and high goals that are achievable.

"We are one of the relegated sides from the Premier League and people will see us a side that should be involved in the promotion race.

"That is how I see it myself, as well, even if it is going to be a very competitive league."