Leicester City are reportedly on the verge of finalising their search for a permanent successor to Marti Cifuentes, with the East Midlands club moving swiftly to stabilise a season currently plagued by poor form, indiscipline, a six-point deduction and a slide toward the English Football League Championship relegation zone. After weeks of uncertainty, the King Power hierarchy are understood to be nearing an announcement as they look to install a steady hand before the campaign reaches its critical final stretch. Experience is the commonly blurted out buzzword on Filbert Way at the moment.
The exploration has seen a staggering amount of names, fanciful or otherwise (or even seemingly otherworldly), linked with the LCFC vacancy. Among those touted are early frontrunners Gary Rowett and Derek McInnes, alongside more experienced heads like Chris Coleman, and even a speculative glance toward Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Other supposed contenders mentioned in coaching circles include Russell Martin, Michael Appleton and Gareth Ainsworth. Good Lord! While the list is rounded off by dark horses such as Steven Schumacher and Scott Parker.
Not Dean Smith again, please
However, a dramatic twist has seen former boss Dean Smith emerge in the running. Smith, who previously managed LCFC during a recent Premier League relegation battle, maintains strong internal connections and is viewed by some board members as a pragmatic 'firefighter' capable of navigating the current crisis.
Did the owners not witness his last stint?! His fresh link to the post suggests City may value familiarity over a total tactical overhaul.
Amidst this managerial carousel, the future of interim boss Andy King is clarified. The club icon, who stepped in following Cifuentes' sacking, is set to be retained in a high-level first-team coaching capacity.
The Leicester icon's role could be defined as a vital bridge between the new appointment and a squad that holds him in high regard; potentially serving as a long-term 'manager-in-waiting' under the mentorship of a more senior figure.
What the Leicester City faithful desire
For the Blue Army, the preference is clear. While Martin remains a frequent name in the gossip columns, many fans are vocal in their hope for a sensational return of Enzo Maresca. Supporters have fond memories of the Italian's dominance and fear that the former Southampton man's style may not yield the immediate results required to keep the club in the division. With an appointment claimed to be "close", the wait is almost over.
"King is highly regarded at Leicester for his work coaching both the youth team and the first team, but there is an acceptance that the top job has come too soon at this stage.Football Insider
Leicester are now looking to appoint an experienced boss to come in to work alongside King, who is expected to return to his role as first-team coach. An agreement is believed to be getting closer."