On 20 June 2008, Pearson was appointed as manager of Leicester City. He was again named the League One Manager of the Month during that run in December 2008. On 18 April 2009, Leicester won 2–0 at Southend United, confirming their promotion back to the Championship as League One champions. The season finished with the club racking up their highest ever points tally of 96 points, as they lost just four of their 46 league games.