Russell Martin's name has been buzzing around the King Power Stadium for months, but now it looks like he'll be making a permanent return to club football as Leicester City's new manager. The 40-year-old was top of their wanted list last summer, only to join Rangers instead – and now, after just three months in charge north of the border, Martin is back on the Foxes' radar.
Leicester's been through a nightmare period, culminating in successive relegations that have left them stuck in League One. A six-point deduction from the EFL for financial breaches has compounded their problems – and it's high time they found a manager who can turn things around. The hot seat at the King Power Stadium has become a revolving door, with seven managers since Brendan Rodgers' departure in April 2023.
Martin's got the pedigree to do just that. He led Southampton into the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season – and his previous managerial stints at MK Dons and Swansea suggest he knows how to get results. Of course, his time at Rangers was brief, but you can't help but wonder what might have been if he'd stayed longer.
The club's reportedly set to make a decision on Martin's appointment this weekend – and it's no surprise they're keen to bring him in. With his Championship success under his belt, the 40-year-old is just the kind of manager Leicester need to start their journey back up the football league pyramid.