When news first broke of Russell Martin's appointment as Leicester City head coach, sections of the Foxes fan base were far from convinced. Many supporters were openly sceptical, with some even voicing outright opposition to the choice.
Doubts stemmed from a mixed managerial record, and a sense that the club needed a more experienced, battle-hardened figure. The appropriate person to steer the East Midlanders through what promised to be a turbulent period was required in a dire situation.
Martin had built a solid reputation for attractive, possession-based football across previous roles at MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton, where his teams were praised for their style and structure. Yet questions emerged over his ability to adapt when pressure mounted; his Saints tenure ended badly, while an ill-fated spell at Rangers saw struggles to compete under the relentless intensity and unforgiving expectations of the Glasgow giants.
Arriving at King Power Stadium, the Brighton-born boss faced a situation more chaotic than any he had encountered before, with an apparently uninterested chairman actively seeking to sell the club and long-term uncertainty hanging over every decision. Against that difficult backdrop, however, Martin oversaw an encouraging preseason and sensible departures, alongside some painful but necessary sales, and brought a clear sense of direction that had been missing.
Russel Martin reveals Leicester City calling
If City complete targeted deals for Tommy Watson along with capturing a proven striker, whilst retain at least one key senior centre-back, they'll possess a squad capable of mounting a genuine promotion challenge; potentially vindicating bookmaker forecasts making them favourites for the League One title. Such optimism is not limited to the terraces, either, with new signing Conor Chaplin offering a glowing insight into what Martin brings to the club.
"I’ve really enjoyed working with him, he’s very meticulous in his style,” Chaplin said of his new manager. “It’s going to take a little bit of time, individually and collectively, to oil out everything that he wants to get because there’s a lot. He’s really demanding, which I really enjoy."Chaplin - Leicestershire Live
For Martin himself, the decision to join Leicester was made in spite of offers from sides both in England and overseas, making his commitment to the Leicestershire outfit all the more notable. He explained that conversations with sporting director James McCarron, under pressure chief football officer Jon Rudkin and the ownership (presumably chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, even if his presence at the club has become increasingly rare) convinced him this was LCFC right move.
"I had offers from abroad and this country,” Martin confirmed. “I spoke to James McCarron and Jon Rudkin and then the ownership, and it became really clear that it was the one I was most excited about and where I wanted to be."Martin
Now the hope among supporters is that the 40-year-old receives the backing he needs in the transfer market. Without that support, it will be impossible to fairly assess his work, and far harder for Leicester to turn this hardship around.
Add us as a preferred source on Google