Leicester City, a club that lifted the Premier League trophy just over a decade ago, are now negotiating with Russell Martin to lead them out of English football’s third tier. The appointment, if finalized, would mark the next chapter in one of the most dramatic falls from grace in modern English football.

Martin has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Gary Rowett, who has been serving as interim manager during the recruitment process. No formal agreement has been signed yet, but talks are described as advanced.

From fairy tale to League One

Leicester City’s descent has been dizzying. The club that shocked the world by winning the Premier League in 2015-16 now finds itself competing in League One, having been relegated from the Championship.

Why Russell Martin?

Martin built his managerial reputation on a distinctive possession-based style of play. At Swansea City, he turned a mid-table Championship squad into one of the most watchable teams in the division, earning a move to Southampton.

His time at Southampton in the Premier League was less forgiving. The style that dazzled in the Championship proved more vulnerable against top-flight opposition, and he was eventually let go. He then took the Rangers job in Scotland, but that lasted just 123 days before he was sacked in October 2025.