When Leicester City manager Russell Martin arrived, he appeared to immediately know what fans of the club wanted him to do. First of all, the former Swansea City, Southampton, Rangers and MK Dons head coach spoke of dedication, ambition and hard work upon arrival.
In addition to that factor (and arguably more importantly), the 40-year-old put the available Foxes players through their paces as pre-season began at LCFC’s Seagrave Training Ground. City supporters had to hear and see such clarity and commitment after years of uncertainty, unsettled figures in the dressing room and recruitment that too often failed to address the team's true needs or build collective spirit.
Martin is known as a decent man manager, even when results have not always gone his way. Evidently, this City side must now have a boss whom they would figuratively run through brick walls for, as silly as that metaphor might sound.
It would be further encouraging if the retired Scotland international had a fuller complement of squad members at practice. A couple of Foxes were away on National Team duty at the World Cup, and those gaps must surely soon be filled by fresh recruits as the rebuild gathers pace.
Although, as is typical in the close season, City are linked with a range of potential signings. Dom Ballard is a 21-year-old striker currently at Leyton Orient; Conor Chaplin is a 29-year-old forward and winger most recently with Ipswich Town; Justin Devenny is a 22-year-old midfielder currently on the books at Crystal Palace.
"Southampton, Preston North End join Leicester City in Premier League midfielder pursuit"The72
Also noted are 26-year-old free-agent midfielder Archie Collins; 29-year-old free-agent midfielder Ryan Wintle; 24-year-old striker Lorent Tolaj. Not to mention Will Smallbone; a player who previously worked under Martin and may therefore be open to a reunion move.
But it is Devenny whom appears to sit highest on the Foxes' wish list. Anyone describing a prospective deal with the King Power outfit as an ambitious long shot is entirely justified in that assessment - but an agreement is within the realm of possibility.
According to reports, two Championship sides have now joined the chase for the Northern Irishman's signature. Obviously that higher competition inevitably lessens Leicester's chances of securing his services, especially given their status in League One.
"...with reports suggesting a move worth £5million is being considered"Leicestershire Live
A reported asking price in the region of £5 million could also prove prohibitive to a club still navigating financial constraints and regulatory frameworks following successive relegations. Yet a player with Premier League experience and proven versatility in attacking midfield and wide roles would represent a significant boost to City's promotion ambitions if they could pull off the capture.
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