Leicester City appoint Russell Martin as their new manager after two consecutive relegations in 2026.
Russell Martin has managed four clubs since retiring as a player in 2019. His brief 123-day tenure at Rangers in the Scottish Premiership concluded in October 2026, leading him to return to English football’s third tier to revive his coaching career. At 40 years old, he now takes charge of a Leicester City side currently competing in League One following two successive relegations. Martin inherits a team that faced a six-point deduction last season due to prior spending violations, which ultimately contributed to their Championship exit under Gary Rowett’s short-term leadership.
Martin expressed his enthusiasm for the historic club, stating, 'This is a club with great history, strong support and high expectations, and I'm looking forward to getting to know the club, the city and the supporters.' He emphasized immediate priorities, adding, 'My immediate focus is on the team: building strong relationships, setting clear standards and creating performances that Leicester City supporters can connect with and be proud of.' His appointment marks the seventh permanent managerial change at Leicester since Brendan Rodgers left in April 2023.
Since Rodgers' departure, Leicester has seen a rapid turnover of managers including Dean Smith, Enzo Maresca, Steve Cooper, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Marti Cifuentes, and Rowett. The club’s struggles culminated last season with relegation to League One despite a points deduction, coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of their remarkable 5,000-1 Premier League title triumph in 2016.
Martin arrives at Leicester amid a need for reputational recovery for both himself and the club. His promotion of Southampton to the Premier League via a play-off final win over Leeds United in 2024—achieved through a possession-based, patient passing style—mirrored the approach Maresca had implemented at Leicester, now a candidate for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City role. Leicester pursued Martin last summer before his Rangers appointment, and his familiarity with League One, gained from his 2019 start at MK Dons, further influenced their decision.
Leicester’s sporting director James McCarron outlined the club’s support system for Martin, stating, 'Russell will be supported by a football structure focused on alignment, accountability and high standards.' He added, 'Our role is to make sure the right environment is in place around the team.' Martin’s move to Leicester, a club competing in the third tier for only the second time in 142 years, follows his managerial beginnings at MK Dons in 2019, where he concluded his playing career with Scotland.
Martin guided MK Dons to a 13th-placed finish in the 2020-21 season before taking the helm at Swansea City for two seasons. He later joined Southampton, where his tactical approach led to promotion. His playing career included stints at Norwich City, Rangers, Wycombe Wanderers, and Peterborough United, before transitioning into management.