FORMER Southampton manager Nigel Pearson has been sacked as manager of Premier League rivals Leicester City.

Just weeks after masterminding the club's survival in its first season back in the top flight, he has been dismissed over "fundamental differences" between him and the board.

Pearson, who managed Saints for three months in the Championship in 2008, managed the Foxes in two stints - firstly from 2008 to 2010 when they won promotion from League One, and then again from 2011 when he won promotion to the Premier League.

The 51-year-old had guided Leicester to 14th in the 2014-15 Premier League table after the club had looked destined for relegation until early this year.

In a statement, the club said: "The Board of Directors recognises the success Nigel has helped to bring to Leicester City during his two spells in charge of the Club, particularly during the last three and a half years.

"However, it has become clear to the Club that fundamental differences in perspective exist between us. Regrettably, the Club believes that the working relationship between Nigel and the Board is no longer viable.

Leicester City’s owners, Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, and the Board of Directors would like to place on record their thanks to Nigel for the considerable contribution he has made during his time with the Club and wish him well in the future."

Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh have been put in charge of the first team until a new manager is unveiled.