LEICESTER CITY APPOINT RUSSELL MARTIN AS MANAGER

Leicester City have appointed Russell Martin as manager on a three-year contract. Martin, aged 40, takes charge following the departure of Gary Rowett and becomes the seventh permanent manager at the club since Brendan Rodgers left in April 2023. Leicester currently compete in League One after suffering back-to-back relegations. Martin's previous role saw him manage Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, a position he held for 123 days before departing in October.

Martin guided Southampton to Premier League promotion via the play-off final against Leeds United in 2024, the same season Leicester won the Championship title. His appointment comes after the Foxes endured a turbulent period marked by three relegations in four seasons. Leicester's recent history includes a six-point deduction for previous spending breaches, which contributed to their relegation to League One last season. The club's decline stands in stark contrast to their Premier League title triumph ten years earlier.

Sporting director James McCarron stated that Martin would receive support from a football structure focused on alignment, accountability and high standards. Martin said his immediate focus would centre on building relationships with the squad, establishing clear standards and creating performances supporters could be proud of. The appointment marks an attempt by both Martin and Leicester to rebuild their respective reputations after recent setbacks.