At 33, Pearson has many years of experience in the Premiership to call on after spells with Chelsea, Blackburn, West Ham and current club Fulham. With centre back an issue for Saints all season both in terms of form and fitness, Pearson moved swiftly with injury doubts over Davies and, yet again, Powell.
There are question marks over just how fit Pearce is himself, with just two appearances for Fulham all season to his name. Saints have to hope that like Christian Dailly before him, he has kept himself fit and firing in the reserves to step in and make an instant impact.
As well as being renowed as a no nonsense hardman in the Nigel Pearson tradition, Pearson has also been often pushed forward when the side is chasing a goal to unsettle defences, even if his actual goal tally is relatively meagre.
At 6'3 he should be a force to be reckoned with at both ends of the field and we have to hope that his experience rubs off on some of his new colleagues, starting with a massive game away to Scunthorpe.
Welcome to the Saints, Ian!