Bristol City dropped to 15th place in the league table after defeat at the hands of Cardiff City at the weekend and the club hierarchy decided to part ways with Pearson, despite a host of fans feeling he has done well amid tough circumstances.
Pearson was nearing the end of his contract and the Robins were reluctant to offer him an extension.
Parkin believes that prior to the Cardiff City defeat, there were clear signs that the Bristol City hierarchy might sack Pearson, as the club showed no interest in handing the veteran tactician a new contract.
The ex-Championship star thinks that Pearson also felt that he would not be in charge of the club next season and stressed that the Bristol City hierarchy decided to react after the Robins’ fifth defeat in seven games.
When asked whether he was surprised with Bristol City’s decision to sack Pearson, Parkin said on the What The EFL podcast: “Yes and no.
“I think the writing has kind of had been on the wall.
“Similarities I suppose with Accrington Stanley, obviously a much different size club, a manager who does not have the longevity of a better contract to safeguard him.
“I think Nigel Pearson probably felt he was not going to be the man to guide them into next season.
“So he has been tit for tat a little bit in recent weeks with the owners, the hierarchy and they have decided to react.”
Bristol City are yet to appoint a new manager and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to appoint someone before the game against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.
