Following China's convention of dividing the English Premier League into factions, Tony Twain and Stuart Pearce would both belong in the same trench. This was because the two were Brian Clough's students and successors; thus, they were from "Clough's faction."
Stuart Pearce was known as a tough guy within English football. He even received a nickname, "Crazy," for his tough style and character. The moniker followed him almost through his entire career. England's media once described him as a person with a "heart of Oak," Oak being famed for its toughness.
Why was it necessary to discuss Pearce during a match with Man City?
Although Man City's manager was still Kevin Keegan at the time, Tang En knew that Keegan would step down with his assistant manager taking over after the current year. That would be Stuart Pearce, who Keegan thought highly of. It was not just Tang En who took notice of Pearce; the Nottingham media was also very interested in him.
