Remember when Leicester City shocked the world? Ten years ago, they were building toward that magical Premier League title. Now? They're stuck in the Championship, sitting 14th in the table, and searching for their 12th manager since that fairy tale season.
The fall from grace has been brutal. After winning the league in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021, financial troubles hit hard. The COVID-19 pandemic squeezed their owners, King Power, and things spiraled quickly. Relegation came in 2023, they bounced back for one season, then dropped straight back down again.
Marti Cifuentes just got the axe after only six months in charge. And here's the kicker – Leicester fans aren't exactly thrilled about who might replace him. For punters looking at Leicester's promotion odds, these managerial options suggest the club might be in for a bumpy ride rather than a quick return to the top flight.
The Underwhelming Shortlist
According to The Daily Mail, Gary Rowett is a leading candidate. He's a former Leicester player with plenty of Championship experience at clubs like Millwall, Stoke, and Derby. But there's a problem – he's never actually got a team promoted from this division. Oh, and he just got sacked by Oxford United.
Derek McInnes is another name being mentioned. He's currently managing Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Why would he leave now when Hearts could make history? It doesn't make much sense, though he might be available in the summer.
A Familiar Face With a Questionable Record
Football Insider reports that Russell Martin is also in the mix. He did guide Southampton to promotion from the Championship, which sounds good on paper. But his stubborn insistence on playing out from the back got him sacked as Southampton went straight back down. His recent stint at Rangers was a disaster too.
Leicester need stability right now. They're mid-table with no real momentum either way. For a club that won the Premier League less than a decade ago, these managerial options feel like a massive step backward. Bettors should be cautious about backing Leicester for promotion this season until they see who actually takes the job and whether they can turn things around quickly.
