THE CLUB

Club Address:

Leicester City Football Club plc,
Filbert Street,
Leicester
LE2 7FL

Ground Capacity:                                

21,500

Contacts:

Main Reception 0116 291 5000

Ticket Office 291 5232

Memberships 291 5007

Clubcall  0891 12 11 85

TeamTalk 0930 168 835

Nickname:

The Foxes

Sponsors:

Walker's Crisps

Colours:

1st Kit: Royal Blue, White, Royal Blue
2nd Kit: White, Royal Blue, White

3rd Kit: Yellow, Royal Blue, Royal Blue

Recent History

The recent history of Leicester City centres on managerial upheaval and a long standing cycle of promotion and relegation. The arrival of Brian Little at Filbert Street saw a resurgence in the club's fortunes having narrowly escaped from relegation to the old division three on the last day of the previous season. Little guided his players to three successive Wembley play-off finals, at the third attempt securing victory over Derby County to take City into the Premiership for the first time. However, Little failed to strengthen his squad and City's Premiership debut was all but over by Christmas as the Foxes struggled to bridge the gap between play-off victory and top flight consistency

Hero swiftly turned to villain as Little walked out on the club to take up the hot seat at his beloved Aston Villa leaving behind a trail of media-hyped ill-feeling and recrimination. The board's chosen replacement, the fiery Mark McGhee, arrived having left an equally disgruntled board and set of supporters at Reading. McGhee wasted no time in recruiting the coaching staff from his former club to produce a back room team which all but replicated the set-up under Little.

The inevitable return to Division One gave McGhee the opportunity to build a side which took Little's attack minded policy and coupled it with a fluid passing style which earned high praise from the supporters, press and even a few traditionally hostile pundits. During this period Filbert Street saw a series of well groomed performances, though form had started to dip by the time Christmas arrived and a managerial vacancy appeared at Wolves. McGhee made no secret of his interest in the position and, almost before the fans had been given the opportunity to utter the words 'deja-vu', the Scot had announced his resignation.

Leicester's vacant post was eventually filled by Martin O'Neill who days earlier had quit Norwich to snatch the position away from another former Canaries man, Mike Walker. O'Neill's insistence on focusing effort on defensive duties and keeping things simple was at odds with the former regime's philosophy. A series of poor performances and rumours of discontent within the squad came to a head during a dire performance at Filbert Street against an extremely average Sheffield United. The supporters vented their anger, calling for the heads of both manager and chairman during a sustained protest during and after the match. The action which saw O'Neill moments away from resignation actually provided the impetus for a passionate end of season onslaught as manager, players and supporters rallied to ensure a fourth play-off final appearance for City. The Wembley performance was typical of Leicester's insistence on doing things the hard way. Despite having the majority of the play against opponents Crystal Palace, City were unable to capitalise and extra time looked increasingly likely to be followed by penalties. That was, until the 120th minute when an exhausted Steve Claridge spotted the slightest of gaps and unleashed a 'shinned' drive on goal which ripped into the back of the net, securing City's return to the Premiership.

The vivid memories of the brief flirtation with the Premiership just two seasons before, together with the universal prediction that the same harsh fate again awaited the Foxes, meant that the new season was greeted with more trepidation than anticipation by the Filbert Street faithful. Unsurprisingly then, 'survival' was to be the only measure of success for the 1996-97 campaign.

As the season progressed however, a young squad had begun to increase in confidence and was carving out a series of performances which had press and pundits alike wondering whether their pre-season predictions had perhaps been a little hasty. Meanwhile, O'Neill's media-friendly one-liners and the developing talent of teenager Emile Heskey were attracting increased coverage for the club.

Injustice in the manner of City's departure from the FA Cup only served to strengthen the club's resolve which, while maintaining a healthy mid-table position, was rewarded with another trip to Wembley, this time to challenge an expensively manufactured Middlesbrough side in the final of the Coca Cola Cup. Again City decided to do it the hard way. A late equaliser in extra time spoilt Boro's premature Wembley celebrations and again the two sides couldn't be separated during normal play of the Hillsborough replay. This time however, superior strength, fitness and team spirit allowed Leicester to dominate the extra period and victory was secured by another late goal from that man Steve Claridge.

Premiership safety was reached after one or two more nail biting weeks and then the celebrations really began. Eventually finishing an incredible ninth in the Premiership, City had also won their first major trophy for thirty years and gained a place in Europe. Leicester had proved that football really is a team game where passion and commitment are everything. An outstanding manager and a squad with unquestionable spirit and ability had brought the glory days back to Filbert Street.

Last Season

Despite the Coca Cola Cup triumph and ninth place finish the season before, O'Neill had only one ambition for 1997-98 - to avoid relegation. The policy was very deliberate. Resources remained extremely limited and the club was once again a favourite for relegation. While O'Neill strove to ensure players remained focused and supporters realistic, the wave of optimism had not broken from the previous season's success. The first four games set out City's stall. Victories over Aston Villa and Liverpool were swiftly followed by a no-score draw against Manchester United and a spectacular three-all draw against eventual champions Arsenal. The club's first trip to Europe for thirty years was a welcome sideline for players and supporters alike. City distinguished themselves against UEFA Cup opponents Atletico Madrid and although they progressed no further, the memory of Ian Marshall firing home to take the lead at the Vicente Calderon on a warm summer evening will live in the memory of those present for many a year to come.

Back on home soil, City continued to maintain a top ten place until the end of March, breaking a Highfield Road hoodoo and famously defeating Fergie's starlets at Old Trafford along the way. O'Neill set points targets throughout the season - first twenty, then thirty, forty and eventually the magic fifty point target was set and achieved. The tag of 'the hardest working team in the league', coined the season before, was further underlined during a second successful Premiership campaign which brought increased credibility and respect to a side which had continued to develop individual skill while performing as a single charged unit. When it gels City are unbeatable - and sometimes devastating - as the shattered Derby County side who found themselves four nil down within 15 minutes of kick-off on the 26 April 1998 know only too well. As highlights to seasons go, this one, in front of a live television audience of millions, isn't too bad at all.

Expectations For This Season

The club continues to see major developments both on and off the pitch. In the last twelve months the supporters have witnessed a reverse takeover, stock market flotation, installation of a new chairman and the complete restructuring of the Board. Plans for a new stadium by the year 2000 appear to be more than just a pipe dream this time and the future off the pitch looks brighter than ever before.

It is a testament to City's chequered history however that Premiership survival remains the order of the day. With just one new signing in the close season and allegedly increasing pressure from current players to have their higher wage demands met, O'Neill will once again have his work cut out to maintain and develop his team.

Expectations then are not necessarily that high. Hopes, however, will be for a top ten finish, always with an eye on reaching one of those much sought after European places, and a healthy cup run in one or other competition. If O'Neill can simply consolidate then that would be an achievement in itself. If he can continue to nurture and develop the skills of his young squad members while cajoling and bullying the elder statesmen into excelling themselves once more then perhaps some of those hopes of the supporters can be met. However the season twists and turns though, there is no doubt that O'Neill's passion and commitment will again infect all those that swear allegiance to the mighty Blue and White Army.

Key Players

MATT ELLIOTT
Why Matt Elliott wasn't playing at the highest level before the age of 28 is a question many Premiership managers besides Martin O'Neill are now asking.. The sheer physique and trademark shaven head of Elliott would make him a dominant figure in the centre of any defence, but with this comes natural aerial ability, total composure on the ball and a keen eye for goal, particularly from set piece manoeuvres. A tally of seven goals last term has helped make Matt a firm favourite who is at last gaining the recognition he undoubtedly deserves.

NEIL LENNON
The Northern Ireland international must be one of the hardest working players in the Premiership. His play is incredibly efficient, time after time breaking down opposition attacks, winning the ball and laying it off to a team mate. Martin O'Neill rates him as one of the top 5 midfielders in the country, with perhaps only Keane, Ince and Batty comparable for defensive midfield excellence. The hardest job Leicester will have this season is persuading him to stay at the club.

EMILE HESKEY
To a certain extent Emile has yet to live up to the hype that surrounds him and he remains ill at ease with the attention of both the media and opposition defences. Nevertheless Heskey is undoubtedly the greatest home grown talent since Lineker, with the potential of reaching the same dizzy heights. The supporters often forget he is still on a steep learning curve and, given the opportunity, this season could be the one in which he truly shines. The biggest spending clubs will once again be watching with interest.

One to Watch

STUART CAMPBELL
Having graduated from David Nish's youth team to become a regular in the reserves, Campbell is currently looking to improve on his current role as bit part player to the first team. A long injury list in the 96-97 season created the opening for Stuart's Premiership debut - a case of being thrown in at the deep end as he lined up against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The youngster coped admirably in his role on the right side of midfield and Campbell continues to impress with each opportunity he is given. The biggest barrier to a regular slot on the team sheet will be the stiff competition from the half dozen other players who can operate in a similar role. This season will be the one where Campbell looks to stake his place for the future.