Former Kerala Blasters FC midfielder Stephen Pearson has returned to Motherwell FC, the club where he started his professional career in 2000, following a fine first season in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The 32-year-old former Scottish international midfielder will play for Motherwell for the rest of the current league season in Scotland.Between Pearson’s two spells with the club, he turned out for Celtic, Derby County, Stoke City, Bristol City and most recently for Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL.Pearson made 17 appearances for the Sachin Tendulkar-co-owned side in the ISL, and impressed with his technical skills, commitment and tireless work-rate despite the heat and humidity. It was his sensational, late match-winner in the second-leg of the semi-final against Chenniyan FC that took his side into the final, where they lost 1-0 to Atletico de Kolkata. It was surprisingly the only goal he scored in the championship.Recalling his ISL experience in a PA Sport Report, Pearson said, “My old team mate David James, who was player-manager of the team over in India, gave me a call and I jumped at the chance to go and experience something different.”“It’s not as frenetic, and the tempo was not as high, given the heat and humidity, but the standard was good and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.”“The crowds were massive and that was something I wasn’t aware of before going out. Every stadium was sold out, pretty much. They’re passionate about their football. I think we had the highest average attendances over there which was brilliant,” he stated. “They’ve got the money there and the population and I think that is what will make it a big success.”Pearson believes the ISL is only going to go from strength to strength in the coming years. “The club I was at are open to any good quality player and if the opportunity came up for any players from Scotland to go, I would certainly tell them to consider it,” he added.Pearson is however happy to return to the club which made him the player he is today. “I came here as a young boy and this is where I made my name,” he recalled. “At that time there were a lot of young players given the opportunity to go on and show what they can do. In that respect I couldn’t thank Motherwell enough for giving me the opportunity.” Welcoming him back, Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough said, “It was a no-brainer for me. He has knowledge of the game and he is a winner; he has achieved at the highest level. The temperature at Celtic Park might be a bit different compared to India but he could last if he is asked, no problem.”
