Russell Martin is set to be appointed as Leicester City's new manager, replacing Ruud van Nistelrooy in the coming days. The 39-year-old's deal is expected to be finalised imminently, with conversations continuing into this week.
Martin will take over at the King Power Stadium following Van Nistelrooy's departure. The Dutchman's position has been uncertain since Leicester's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.
This will mark Martin's return to management after being sacked by Southampton in December, offering him a fresh opportunity to showcase his Championship expertise.
Martin's previous stint at Southampton saw him guide the Saints to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in 2024, establishing his credentials as a manager who knows how to navigate the Championship successfully.
It seems his time at Leicester is up
Reuters
This experience will be particularly valuable to Leicester as they face the challenge of returning to the top flight, Mail Sport understands this is what makes him the perfect candidate.
His appointment comes just five months after being dismissed by Southampton, where his promotion success wasn't enough to secure his long-term future at St Mary's.
Leicester will be hoping Martin can replicate his Championship success at the King Power Stadium, though under potentially more challenging circumstances.
Van Nistelrooy has been left in a state of limbo since Leicester's drop to the Championship was confirmed.
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Russell Martin is set to take control of the Foxes
PA
Despite actively planning for the upcoming Championship campaign over the past two months, the Dutchman has reportedly grown frustrated with the lack of communication from the club's hierarchy.
The former Manchester United striker has been diligently preparing for life in the second tier, but has received little clarity about his own future at the club.
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This silence from Leicester's leadership appears to have contributed to the decision to move in a new direction with Martin's appointment.
Leicester's managerial transition is further complicated by the club's precarious financial situation. On Tuesday, the club was referred to an independent commission for an alleged PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) violation during their 2023-24 Championship season.
Jamie Vardy scored in his final game for Leicester City
PAThis charge follows a lengthy arbitration process regarding which governing body has jurisdiction over Leicester, due to their recent movements between the Premier League and Championship.
Martin's task will be significantly more challenging if Leicester face a points deduction next season as a consequence of these financial rule breaches. The potential penalty adds another layer of difficulty to what was already going to be a demanding promotion campaign.
