Nigel Pearson has praised Wayne Rooney and his staff for their conduct during the Derby County crisis with Bristol City's Championship rivals in administration and at the bottom of the table after being docked 12 points.
It was confirmed this week that the Rams poor financial management has caught up with them, with the EFL delivering a penalty that has left them at the foot of the standings on minus two points and could be further increased.
On Thursday, Rooney outlined that he would stay with the club despite the current malaise but admitted he probably wouldn't have taken the job had he known about the financial issues which have come to light.
Pearson admits the collateral damage felt by the Rams descent, in particular the supporters and staff at the club, is the real sadness of the story as a genuine powerhouse of Midlands football faces an uncertain future.
"Their fanbase is fantastic. Regardless how I fared there as a manager, they have a very big, loyal fanbase and it's particularly sad when it's going to affect that," Pearson said.
"Its not my place to have opinions on what's happened in terms of why they're in the situation but, what I would say is that Wayne Rooney and his staff have dealt with the situation with a lot of dignity.
"I just looked at the table this morning and saw them on minus two, and I thought, 'wow'. But I'm sure they're looking at it and thinking, if we get three or four results on the trot we're back in the mix.
"I don't know because I've not been in that situation (administration) but I would imagine it's difficult to continue to manage the situation with a bit of balance, but that's what's needed - a calm head."
Pearson served as Derby manager in 2016 but left by mutual consent after just four months in charge following an internal investigation into his "behaviour" in the wake of a row with owner Mel Morris.
Speaking at the Robins High Performance Centre on Thursday, the 58-year-old chose his words carefully but discussed the situation not as a previous employee but as a football fan and a native of the East Midlands, having grown up in Nottingham.
"It's not my place to give advice but I do feel for them," Pearson added. "Not necessarily with the clubs themselves because obviously there has to be an awareness of why they're in the state they're in, but I don't have that knowledge so I can't pass judgement.
"I saw with Sheffield Wednesday last year. I think they had a six point (deduction), after it got halved, and it's amazing how it catches up on you. It's difficult but there are rules, I'm afraid."
