In an unprecedented and fairly revealing first interview with British media in a decade, Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt 'Khun Top' Srivaddhanaprabha has issued a firm defence of his embattled director of football, Jon Rudkin. In spite of mounting confusion, apathy and toxicity from the King Power Stadium faithful - the DoF ain't goin' nowhere! With the Foxes languishing in the bottom half of the English Football League Championship, Top insisted that any failure should be viewed as a collective responsibility rather than the fault of a single executive. To enlighten the similarly under pressure owner - fans do blame him and recruitment as well!
"Jon is [seen as] like a bad cop. When we won the Premier League, it was because of Jon too, but nobody talks about that anymore. "Khun Top - The Telegraph
Top's refusal to relinquish his long-serving lieutenant (or Filbert Way henchman) comes at a pivotal moment. The East Midlands club is currently navigating the fallout of Marti Cifuentes' departure; club legend Andy King has taken he reins in a caretaker capacity.
Meanwhile many supporters (seemingly justifiably) cast Rudkin as the architect of the club’s recent decline. High-wages for uninspiring athletes, other organisational failures and the lingering spectre of Profit and Sustainability Rule breaches brings the LCFC heat.
Yet Srivaddhanaprabha maintains that Rudkin’s contribution to the club’s greatest heights must not be erased. It is true: the Englishman was in place for the EPL triumph, along with a maiden FA Cup lift. His LCFC civil war also divided the board room and ousted well-liked CEO Susan Whelan.
Bad cop or cop-out?
Top described his right hand man as a "bad cop" figure who is unfairly scrutinised when things go wrong. Was Susan Whelan the good cop, we ask? Yet, it is argued, that the 2016 and 2021 successes cup victory were ignored of late. What Top does not understand is that era is long gone, as sad as it is to admit for those in the Blue Army. He just wants a trustworthy employee to do his bidding and dirty work.
What's next at Leicester City
Crucially, the chairman confirmed that while Rudkin will remain in his post in an 'upstairs capacity' - the footballing structure is undergoing a significant overhaul. Leicester are poised to appoint their first-ever technical director to work alongside the man the fan base don't want. A move intended to provide "support" rather than a replacement. The majority of support won't agree but will support the fresh faces.
"I think he needs support and that is why I’ve come to my decision to change the structure to make sure that everything is the right way going forward."Top
Srivaddhanaprabha likened the club to progeny; admitting that while the "son" has failed his exams recently, the family remains committed to a long-term educational on Filbert Way. By doubling down on Rudkin, the chairman is betting on continuity and internal loyalty to guide the club through its most turbulent period in a generation, even as Foxes fans demand a cleaner break from the past. We shall see if this work for Top.