Disconnect, Disillusionment and Disenchantment in the Leicester fan base

 Where do Leicester City go on from here?

One word could sum up every Leicester fan’s wishes going forward. Transparency. Trying to ascertain anything from the club is like bashing your head against a brick wall. It just doesn’t work. Owynn Palmer-Atkin attempted to reach out earlier this year, yet was met with radio silence. The precedent doesn’t suggest this will change. Top rarely interviews whilst Jon Rudkin has not done one since 2015. Nevertheless, failure requires accountability if it is to be rectified.

The fact that the club’s season review is being led by Rudkin does not bode well at all. Nor does the club directive of radio silence from most of the players. Moreover, Rudkin and Top enjoying time at the races gives a further suggestion that heads will not roll. Ultimately, this speaks more of Top’s lack of ruthlessness. It is true that he was thrust into a role after the untimely and tragic death of his father, but he has done little to show he is deserving of his father’s mantle.

We can be eternally grateful for the work of Khun Top and his family, but the past cannot cover for the present failings. To have such a mindset is one that accepts mediocrity. Firstly, fans want to see improvement on the pitch. In no uncertain terms, this means an immediate return to the EPL, limiting the financial damage of relegation.

However, this requires a manager and then a rebuild. With no communication and no reason to have any faith, why should City fans be hopeful for the new season? Jon Rudkin’s handling of the contracts would suggest that we should not get our hopes up.

At the same time, fans want to connect with their club, not feel disillusionment and disdain. Perhaps the outfit can open a fans forum so that the needs of fans are understood and met, rather than the out-of-touch gestures continuing such as free coconuts or half-time t-shirts. We want decisive change, not free beer as well-meaning as it is.

For the sake of our sanities, blind faith is needed as we head into the unknown. All we can do is pray that the right decisions are made, even if such prayers are founded on little rational belief.

Afterthoughts

Amidst the darkness, there is perhaps one ray of positivity from what has truly been a season from hell. The Big Strong Leicester Boys Podcast has provided a way for fans to alleviate some of the pain brought about by the failures on the pitch. With a long summer and Championship season ahead, giving their podcasts a listen would definitely be recommended.