Can Russell Martin Resurrect Leicester City’s Glory Days?
In June, Leicester City made a significant move by appointing Russell Martin as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
Right now, the Foxes find themselves at a critical juncture, sitting 10th in League One—a stark contrast to their glorious past.
Just a decade ago, they were the miraculous 5,000-1 Premier League champions, basking in global adulation.
Fast forward five years, and they claimed their first FA Cup, even contending for Champions League spots. But a rapid decline followed, marked by financial woes, points deductions, and ultimately a drop to the third tier, leading to the club being put up for sale.
However, recent back-to-back victories have sparked hope for fans. For the first time since last November, Leicester secured two wins in a row, showcasing signs of recovery after a shaky start to the season.
This summer marked a significant reset for the club. After suffering three relegations in four years, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Martin can guide Leicester back to stability.
A commanding 4-0 win against Bromley on Tuesday came hot on the heels of a 2-1 victory over Doncaster, a much-needed boost amid external criticism.
Martin has had a rocky relationship with fans, especially after a stint at Rangers that left many questioning his tactics. Following a disheartening run of two wins in eight matches, frustration grew among supporters as Leicester hovered just above the relegation zone.
Home losses to teams like Burton, Oxford, and Peterborough seem a world away from their Champions League quarter-final appearance against Atletico Madrid back in 2017.
Internally, the club has been dealing with challenges as well. They faced a transfer embargo for five weeks this summer due to the EFL's Salary Cost Management Protocol. This meant Leicester couldn’t sign new players until they generated funds, complicating their summer strategy.
Only after Jeremy Monga’s move to Manchester City opened the door for new signings, including Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy, did the Foxes begin to reshape their squad.
Interestingly, four of the players who started against Bromley joined on deadline day, with two-thirds arriving after the season had kicked off.
Leicester missed out on some targets who weren’t willing to wait, but players like Chaplin and McCarthy saw potential in Martin’s vision.
The head coach took over a squad that had lost both faith and connection with the fans. The atmosphere was toxic, with egos overshadowing effort.
A major overhaul was necessary, and by the end of the summer transfer window, 34 players had departed, while 16 new faces arrived to rejuvenate the squad.
Reports indicate that morale has significantly improved within the club. Their top-notch £100 million training facility, featuring a herb garden and golf course, had inadvertently contributed to a sense of complacency.
Martin is determined to shift the culture. He’s imposed strict rules, including a ban on mobile phones in the canteen; rule-breakers must run as punishment.
Players are required to complete a running drill if they’re late, and even staff members must adhere to these standards.
The club’s ownership, King Power, purchased Leicester in 2010 for £35 million, but now there’s a growing consensus that the club must prove its commitment to fans rather than merely promise progress.
Amid this backdrop, the appointment of James McCarron as sporting director has brought a sense of calm and strong leadership to the club, with him regularly observing training sessions alongside Martin.
Yet, despite these advancements, there’s still a palpable disconnect between fans and the club's leadership, particularly towards chief football officer Jon Rudkin.
Fans have long expressed frustration towards Rudkin, who has been part of the club since 1998. His silence during the club's struggles has only fueled discontent.
Rudkin finally broke his silence in an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, a step that reflects the club’s acknowledgment of the need for better communication with supporters.
Foxes Trust co-chair Lynn Wyeth noted, "He was with us during the good times, but many fans are questioning what he does now."
There's a growing belief that the ownership, led by Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, also needs to reconsider its position as the fans grapple with a leadership void.
This atmosphere of uncertainty has led to a significant disconnect, with many supporters feeling disengaged from the club’s direction. It’s clear that for Leicester to rise again, a united front is essential.
