Former Carlisle United boss Nigel Pearson has been handed a three-year deal by Championship club Bristol City.

It turns Pearson's temporary stint at the Ashton Gate helm into a permanent stay.

Pearson. who began his managerial career with the Blues, has been in charge of the Robins since February.

The 57-year-old has now signed a deal until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Pearson is assisted by another ex-Blues boss in Paul Simpson, who is expected to remain part of Pearson's backroom team according to Bristol Live.

Pearson said on the club website: “I’m delighted to become the permanent manager of Bristol City. This is such a fantastic opportunity at a sound football club that has so much more potential.

“I want to be part of a team that gets to the Premier League. It’s going to be a tough journey and we’ll need the right people on board to achieve it but I am excited about the possibilities ahead.”

Chairman Jon Lansdown said Pearson "brings leadership but in an inclusive way which can galvanise others."

Pearson was famously in charge of the Blues in the 1998/99 season which culminated in goalkeeper Jimmy Glass's goal agains Plymouth which saved United from relegation.

Cumbrian Simpson, meanwhile, guide his home-city club to successive promotions in 2005 and 2006.