Russell Martin has secured the Leicester City managerial position on a three-year contract, with the club poised to confirm the appointment within the next 48 hours.
The deal was concluded on Saturday evening, marking a significant achievement for the Foxes given their current standing in English football’s third tier.
Landing the 40-year-old represents something of a triumph for Leicester, who find themselves in League One following their relegation at the conclusion of last season.
The former Southampton boss had been the club’s preferred candidate for some considerable time, with the East Midlands outfit having initially attempted to secure his services during the previous summer transfer window.
Russell Martin has been hired as the new Leicester manager
| PA
Martin ultimately opted to join Rangers last summer rather than accept Leicester’s advances, though the Foxes maintained their interest in the highly-regarded coach throughout his tenure in Scotland.
The former Scotland international departed Ibrox in October and has since been weighing up various opportunities both domestically and abroad during his time away from the dugout.
Leicester’s need for a fresh start has become increasingly urgent following a third demotion in four seasons, with the former Premier League champions enduring back-to-back relegations after another turbulent campaign.
The club now faces considerable pressure from supporters who have witnessed their side’s dramatic fall from the top flight to the third tier of English football.
Leicester City players look devastated following their relegation | GETTY
Martin’s appointment aligns closely with the vision outlined by owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, who has long admired the coach’s distinctive playing style.
In a rare interview with British media in February, Srivaddhanaprabha expressed his determination to restore Leicester’s footballing identity, stating: “We have to get back to the identity of Leicester, what type of football we should play and what players we should bring.”
He added: “I think it was so clear when we got Enzo on board, what football we should play, and the type of player we should bring in.”
Newly appointed sporting director James McCarron shares this enthusiasm for Martin’s possession-based approach.
A substantial squad overhaul is anticipated this summer, with Abdul Fatawu, Ben Nelson and Jannik Vestergaard among those expected to depart.