Stuart Pearce has confirmed he will formally sign his rolling contract as Manchester City manager at some point over the next week - but the terms will not prevent him taking on the England job.
Pearce had previously revealed he had been working without a contract since replacing Kevin Keegan 12 months ago. After discussions with chairman John Wardle, Pearce has finally decided to put to paper, partly to satisfy Premier League regulations.
"I have never been a big lover of bits of paper," Pearce said. "Contracts do not mean a lot to me. The chairman's word means far more.
"To be honest, I have not even had time to read it which is causing a few problems, both in the press and with the Premier League, so I will sign it this week."
Pearce also revealed there was no compensation fee inserted into the deal, meaning there will be no big pay-off should he get sacked, while City would not receive any financial recompense should he leave to take another job.
Therefore if the Football Association do opt to install Pearce as Sven Goran Eriksson's successor after the World Cup finals, he can leave City for free.
"I would prefer the money to go to the next manager," Pearce said, analysing the effects of potential dismissal. "The club got me for nothing so I think I should be allowed to leave for nothing."
