A decade ago, in September 2016, Leicester City were preparing for a Champions League campaign, a testament to the remarkable rise the club had achieved. Fast forward to today, and the Foxes find themselves languishing in 17th place in League One – the poorest league standing in the club's history since it first entered the Football League in 1894. The stark contrast between those two moments underscores just how far the fortunes of the club have slipped. Since taking charge, Russell Martin has overseen just a single victory in the opening five fixtures of the 2024/25 season.
The most recent blow came on Saturday when Leicester were thrashed 4-0 on home turf by Oxford United. The defeat sparked a chorus of chants from the supporters at the King Power Stadium, with many shouting, "you're getting sacked in the morning," reflecting the growing impatience among the fanbase. Martin, who arrived at the club hoping to rebuild his reputation after a troubled spell at Southampton and a difficult tenure at Rangers, now faces a hostile atmosphere and mounting pressure.
Despite the gloom, there are voices that believe a turnaround is possible. Former Leicester City assistant manager Michael Appleton expressed confidence in Martin's ability to steer the ship back on course.
Speaking on Sky Sports News' The EFL Show, Appleton acknowledged the seriousness of the situation: "It's a difficult moment, there's no doubt about it." He noted that Martin brings a wealth of experience, having managed at higher levels, but also warned that expectations at a club that only a few years ago was competing – and even winning – in the Premier League are enormous. Appleton highlighted Martin's track record, pointing out that the manager has secured just three league wins across his three recent appointments – Southampton, Rangers, and now Leicester – in a total of 28 attempts.
"With those expectations, you've got to deliver," Appleton said. He emphasized that the early-season defeats, particularly the 4-0 loss at home and earlier setbacks against Plymouth and Burton, create a very challenging start. "They've got to start winning games very quickly to address it," he added. The former assistant also suggested that Martin's past experiences could become a valuable resource.
"He's been here before, at a big club with expectations in the league they were in, and he didn't get off to the start he wanted. He'll draw on those experiences and maybe use them behind the scenes with the players and staff, speaking about how they dealt with those situations and trying to keep everyone calm," Appleton explained. He stressed that while the early results are painful, especially when they occur at home, there are still several promising fixtures ahead that could provide a platform for recovery.
Adding another perspective, Reading co‑CEO Joe Jacobson commented on the composition of Leicester's squad, describing it as "really young" at the moment. He observed that the manager frequently substitutes experienced players for younger ones, a strategy that can be risky when the team is under pressure.
Jacobson noted that young players may feel the weight of the crowd and the expectations of a fanbase that has endured a turbulent few years. "It takes a long time for a fan base to turn and get right behind their team again," he said, acknowledging the difficulty of rebuilding trust. Jacobson also drew parallels with Martin's previous stint at Southampton, where the team lost four consecutive games in September but then went on a run without a league defeat until February. He suggested that if Martin can replicate that resilience at Leicester, the club might begin to see improvement.
"If he can turn the ship, he might start to get a tune out of some of those players," Jacobson added. Beyond the tactical and personnel challenges, Jacobson highlighted a broader issue: the disconnect between the club's ownership and its supporters.
The recent announcement that Leicester is up for sale has echoed a similar situation at Reading, where ownership changes created uncertainty among fans. Jacobson explained that when owners publicly express a desire to sell, supporters can feel abandoned, interpreting the move as a lack of commitment to the club's future.
This sentiment can further erode the already fragile relationship between fans and the organization. Despite these hurdles, Jacobson remains optimistic about the season's prospects.
He believes that with more time on the training ground under Martin's guidance, the squad will develop cohesion and confidence. "At the minute, there's that anxiousness and a divided fan base. They want to support their club, but they also want to feel that everyone is pulling in the right direction," he said. Looking ahead, Leicester's next challenge is a trip to Edgeley Park to face Stockport County, who currently sit third in League One.
The Hatters, who a decade ago were playing in the National League North, have risen to become serious contenders, and they will enter the match as favorites. This fixture presents a crucial test for Martin: can he inspire his young side to produce a performance that halts the slide and begins to rebuild belief?
The narrative of Leicester City over the past ten years is one of extraordinary highs and now, stark lows. From Champions League nights to a precarious position at the foot of League One, the club's journey reflects both the volatility of football and the resilience required to navigate it. Whether Russell Martin can harness his experience, rally a youthful squad, and mend the fractured relationship with the supporters remains to be seen.
The coming weeks will be decisive, and the Foxes' fans will be watching closely, hoping that the next chapter brings a revival rather than further decline.