Outside of a droll sense of humour and an occasional dour demeanour in press conferences, Andy Murray and Nigel Pearson may seem unlikely allies, but the three-time grand slam winner and Bristol City manager have a unique shared experience.
It was commonplace, prior to his first Wimbledon win, that to the wider public Murray was referred to as British when he was triumphant in matches or tournaments, and Scottish when he lost. Once he had conquered his Everest at the All England Club 10 years ago, it soon thankfully slipped into knowing parody.
Granted, we’re a world away from the professional tennis circuit and Britain’s strange relationship with that particular sport, and we’re also not speaking on nationalistic lines here, but it’s becoming increasingly apparent that when City are victorious in the Championship, or at the very least competent, the man at the helm is glowingly referred to as “Nige”.
