Leicester City close in on Russell Martin managerial appointment
Leicester City are close to appointing Russell Martin as their new manager as the club prepares for life in League One following back-to-back relegations.
The 40-year-old is expected to finalise terms this weekend, marking his return to the dugout since departing Rangers last October.
The East Midlands outfit had originally targeted the former Scotland defender last summer before he opted for a move to Glasgow.
Instead, the Foxes appointed Marti Cifuentes, whose tenure lasted just six months before his dismissal in January.
Tasked with rebuilding a struggling squad
Under the temporary stewardship of Gary Rowett, the club suffered a catastrophic drop into the third tier of English football.
This latest demotion completes a dismal period for the 2016 top-flight champions, who experienced Premier League relegation during the 2024-25 campaign.
Their struggles on the pitch were severely compounded by a six-point deduction for breaching English Football League financial regulations.
The incoming boss will become the seventh individual to take charge in just over three years since Brendan Rodgers departed the King Power Stadium in April 2023.
Looking to bounce back after Scottish Premiership exit
The highly-rated tactician arrives with a point to prove following a brief and challenging spell north of the border.
His tenure at Ibrox lasted a mere 17 matches, culminating in his dismissal with the Glasgow giants languishing in eighth place.
Despite that setback, the former MK Dons and Swansea City head coach remains highly regarded within the English pyramid.
He notably guided Southampton to Premier League promotion by triumphing in the Championship play-offs during the 2023-24 season.