Stuart Pearce returns to commentary for first time since son's tragic death at 21

Stuart Pearce returned to commentary duties on Saturday night for the first time since the tragic death of his son. Harley Pearce, 21, died last week after a tyre blowout caused the tractor he was driving to crash in Witcombe, Gloucestershire. Police confirmed that he died at the scene of the accident.

The tragic news was met with an outpouring of support for Pearce, who bravely returned to the airwaves on Saturday night. He was on commentary duties for talkSPORT to provide coverage of Brentford's victory over Liverpool. The former England defender opted not to address the death of his son during the broadcast.

Pearce instead chose to focus on the match at the Gtech Community Stadium alongside fellow commentators Reshmin Chowdhury and Jim Proudfoot.

Chowdhury revealed that Pearce had joined them in the commentary booth on Instagram, sharing a picture of the trio sitting together alongside the caption: "We love Stuart Pearce."

Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, which saw him work on farms around the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. He was the youngest of two children Stuart had with his former wife Liz.

A statement from the Pearce family after Harley's death read: "Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley. A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him.

"He was a golden boy with an infectious smile, and this shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

"With a quiet, understated strength and deep kindness, we are so proud of the young man he had become, exhibiting a wonderful work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the farming industry.

"He will always be our shining star. Rest in Peace, our beautiful son and brother. You will never ever be forgotten."

Stuart was a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, playing for the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Manchester City and Newcastle United. He also earned 78 international caps for England and took part in two World Cups.

Earlier this year, he suffered a health scare on a flight from Las Vegas to London and said his heart had to be 'restarted' by medical staff. The plane was diverted to Canada and went on to land in London six hours later than planned.