Leicester set to name Martin as new manager in 2026

Leicester are finalising the appointment of Russell Martin as their new manager following their drop to League One.

Martin's management background Russell Martin, a former Scotland defender aged 40, is on the brink of returning to management for the first time since his dismissal by Rangers in October of the previous year. During his playing days, he turned out for clubs including Wycombe, Peterborough, Norwich, Walsall and MK Dons. His managerial resume also includes spells at MK Dons and Swansea, as well as leading Southampton to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs in the 2023-24 season. ## Leicester's managerial carousel Leicester had previously shown strong interest in appointing Martin over the summer before he took the Rangers role. The club later named Marti Cifuentes as manager, only to sack him six months into his tenure in January. Under interim guidance from Gary Rowett, Leicester suffered consecutive relegations, falling into League One after their exit from the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign. Financial breaches in England’s Football League also resulted in a six-point deduction for the East Midlands side. ## Martin's Rangers exit timeline Martin’s time at Rangers lasted just 17 matches before he was dismissed while the club sat eighth in the Scottish Premiership. Despite the short spell, he had several alternatives available to him this past summer. His appointment at Leicester would mark his seventh managerial role since Brendan Rogers left the club in April 2023.