 After Pearce had signed, Leeds' manager Neil Warnock revealed that he tried previously to sign him while he was at Queens Park Rangers and also tried sign him on loan in March, after he had joined Leeds.Following his transfer Portsmouth administrator Trevor Birch defended the cut-price deal which saw him join Leeds as he explained that such measures are necessary to keep relegated Pompey afloat.Pearce made his competitive début for Leeds in the first game of the season against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup on 11 August.