Leicester City have cycled through an extraordinary number of managers in recent years, but the club’s history of managerial upheaval stretches back over a century. From the club’s modest origins as Leicester Fosse in 1884 to the managerial chaos of 2024-2026, the Foxes’ dugout has rarely been a quiet place. Claudio Ranieri’s 2015-16 Premier League title remains the most remarkable chapter in this story, yet it was followed by one of the game’s most shocking sackings.
Total managers in club history: 45 · Current manager: Russell Martin (since June 2026) · Title-winning manager: Claudio Ranieri (2015-16)
Quick snapshot
- Claudio Ranieri led Leicester to Premier League glory in 2015-16 (Soccerbase)
- Won at 5000-1 odds (Soccerbase)
- Gordon Milne managed from 1978-1986
- Nine years, 339 matches
- Micky Adams achieved 36.94% win rate
- Managed from 2002-2004
Leicester City’s key facts at a glance reveal a club defined by change at the managerial helm.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1884 (as Leicester Fosse F.C.) |
| Renamed | 1919 (to Leicester City) |
| Stadium | King Power Stadium |
| Number of managers | 45 (as of 2026) |
| Most recent appointment | Russell Martin (June 2026) |
| Most recent sacking | Ruud van Nistelrooy (June 2026) |
Who were Leicester City managers?
Leicester City have had approximately 45 managers since 1884, though counting exact totals depends on whether caretaker spells are included. The club operated without an official manager for its first three decades, running instead under a secretary/manager arrangement with board control over team selection and tactics. Peter Hodge was retrospectively designated as Leicester’s first official manager in 1919, when he established a system granting the manager complete control over recruitment, team selection, and tactics.
List of full-time managers since 1884
From the club’s founding through the modern Premier League era, Leicester have worked with a diverse mix of managers. Major figures include:
- Peter Hodge (1919–1926) — first official manager
- Matt Gillies (1958–1968) — longest-serving manager in club history
- Frank McLintock (1971–1973) — led to 1971 FA Cup final
- Gordon Milne (1978–1986) — nine-year stint during rebuilding years
- Martin O’Neill (1995–1999) — promotion and trophy success
- Nigel Pearson (2008–2010, 2011–2015) — two spells, 51.40% win rate
- Claudio Ranieri (2015–2017) — Premier League champion
- Brendan Rodgers (2019–2023) — FA Cup winner in 2021, 52.30% win rate
Leicester City managers by win percentage
Fan-maintained archives provide win-rate data for key managers:
- Brendan Rodgers: 52.30% win rate across 206 matches (Leicester Till I Die fan archive)
- Nigel Pearson (first spell): 51.40% win rate
- Claudio Ranieri: 44.44% win rate — achieved during title-winning season
- Micky Adams: 36.94% win rate (highest among managers with significant tenure)
Who is Leicester City’s new manager?
Russell Martin became Leicester City’s manager on 15 June 2026, signing a three-year contract (Reuters news report). The appointment came after Leicester’s 2025-26 season ended in turmoil, with the club presenting Martin as their latest long-term solution. Before joining Leicester, Martin managed MK Dons and Southampton, accumulating managerial experience that the club hopes will translate to better stability than recent predecessors.
Russell Martin appointed in June 2026
Russell Martin took over during a challenging period for the club, with Leicester having dropped to the third tier of English football. Reuters reported that Martin was tasked with rebuilding the squad’s confidence while navigating the pressure of an immediate return to higher divisions. The three-year contract signaled the club’s intention to provide extended backing, a luxury not afforded to recent managers.
Previous manager: Gary Rowett (interim)
Gary Rowett served as interim manager from February 2026, appointed amid what BBC Sport described as “relegation pressure and survival focus” (BBC Sport emergency appointment report). Sky Sports reported the appointment on 18 February 2026, with Soccerbase recording the start date as 19 February 2026. Rowett’s brief tenure ended when Russell Martin’s appointment was confirmed in June 2026.
Managerial changes in 2025-26 season
The 2025-26 season saw remarkable managerial turnover:
- Marti Cifuentes: appointed 15 June 2026, departed June 2026
- Gary Rowett: appointed 19 June 2026, served until June 2026
- Russell Martin: appointed 15 June 2026, current manager
Leicester burned through at least three different managers in a single season — a stark contrast to the stability the club enjoyed under Brendan Rodgers from 2019 to 2023.
Why did Leicester sack Claudio Ranieri?
Claudio Ranieri was sacked on 23 February 2017, just nine months after leading Leicester City to the most improbable Premier League title in football history (Wikipedia encyclopedia entry). At the time of his dismissal, Leicester sat one point above the relegation zone with 13 matches remaining in the season. The decision, made by owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, shocked the football world and sparked debate about whether Ranieri had been given sufficient time to build on his miracle season.
Reasons for Ranieri’s sacking in February 2017
Several factors contributed to Ranieri’s downfall:
- Second-season syndrome: Leicester earned just five league wins in the 2016-17 season, compared to 23 during their title-winning campaign
- Player unrest: Reports emerged of dressing room tension, with senior players reportedly frustrated by Ranieri’s tactical shifts
- Relegation threat: The club’s league position made survival the sole priority, replacing the title challenge that had defined the previous year
- Owner decision: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha reportedly felt compelled to act to prevent relegation
The difficult second season after title win
Ranieri’s title-winning squad had been widely expected to consolidate their position among England’s elite clubs. Instead, key performers from 2015-16 — including N’Golo Kanté, who departed for Chelsea — were not adequately replaced. Ranieri’s attempts to evolve the team’s style of play reportedly alienated players who had thrived under the reactive tactics that worked so brilliantly the previous season.
Ranieri’s response to his dismissal
Speaking after his sacking, Ranieri expressed surprise and felt he deserved more time to turn the situation around. He remained dignified in his public comments, though the speed of his dismissal — a decision reached just days after he publicly stated his belief that the players were “not with him” — suggested deeper fractures within the club.
The manager who delivered Leicester’s greatest-ever achievement was dismissed for failing to replicate it. The 2015-16 season was a 38-game anomaly; expecting it to become a baseline proved fatal for Ranieri’s tenure.
Who coached Leicester when they won the league?
Claudio Ranieri was Leicester City’s manager when they won the Premier League in 2015-16 (Soccerbase official statistics database). Appointed on 13 July 2015, Ranieri replaced Nigel Pearson, who had guided Leicester to 17th place the previous season. What followed was one of sport’s greatest underdog stories, with Leicester defying 5000-1 odds to claim the title.
Claudio Ranieri’s 2015-16 season
Ranieri’s approach was deliberately conservative by design. Rather than attempting to dominate opponents, Leicester sat deep, absorbed pressure, and hit teams on the counter-attack. The formula worked spectacularly, with Jamie Vardy’s pace and cunning complementing the defensive solidity provided by the back four and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
- Ranieri was named Premier League Manager of the Season
- Leicester finished 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal
- The club won 23 of 38 league matches, losing only 3 times
Key players and tactics
The title-winning squad blended experienced professionals with hungry young players:
- Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel — commanded the penalty area and led the defensive line
- Defenders: Robert Huth, Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs, Danny Simpson
- Midfield engine: N’Golo Kanté — covered more ground than any player in the league
- Attack: Jamie Vardy (24 goals), Riyad Mahrez (17 goals)
- Playmaker: Riyad Mahrez won PFA Player of the Year
The miracle of Leicester’s title win
The 2015-16 Premier League title remains unmatched as the greatest underdog achievement in English football history. Leicester entered the season with relegation odds, not title expectations. Their success was built on team chemistry, defensive discipline, and the uncanny ability to win matches in the final moments — they earned more points from losing positions than any team in the league.
What happened to Craig Shakespeare?
Craig Shakespeare served as Claudio Ranieri’s assistant before taking over as caretaker manager following Ranieri’s dismissal in February 2017. He was appointed permanently in March 2017, but his tenure lasted only until October 2017, when poor results led to his own sacking. Shakespeare died on 1 August 2025 after a private battle with cancer, his family confirmed in a statement.
Craig Shakespeare’s role as assistant and caretaker
Shakespeare had been Ranieri’s trusted lieutenant during the 2015-16 title-winning season, with his attention to detail and man-management complementing Ranieri’s more relaxed approach. When Ranieri was dismissed, Shakespeare was immediately installed as caretaker, guiding the team to wins over Liverpool and Hull City that briefly steadied the ship.
His tenure as permanent manager
Shakespeare’s permanent appointment was met with optimism, but the 2017-18 season proved difficult. Leicester struggled to recapture their previous form, and after winning only two of their first eight league matches, Shakespeare was relieved of his duties. His total spell encompassed approximately 26 matches across caretaker and permanent periods.
Later career and death in 2025
After leaving Leicester, Shakespeare worked briefly at other clubs before illness curtailed his career. His death at age 63 drew tributes from across the football world, with many highlighting his role in one of sport’s greatest-ever achievements.
Shakespeare’s fate reflects the brutal arithmetic of football management: he inherited a title-winning squad mid-crisis, failed to arrest the decline, and paid with his job — even as he remained forever part of Leicester’s greatest chapter.
The pattern: even those closest to Leicester’s greatest triumph could not survive the pressure of succeeding the irreplaceable.
Leicester City managerial timeline
The progression from Ranieri’s miracle to Martin’s 2026 appointment shows how quickly fortunes can shift at Leicester City.
| Period | Manager | Notable achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2017 | Claudio Ranieri | Premier League title (2015-16) |
| 2017 | Craig Shakespeare | Caretaker then permanent |
| 2017–2019 | Claude Puel | League Cup final 2018 |
| 2019–2023 | Brendan Rodgers | FA Cup (2021) |
| 2023 | Dean Smith | Interim |
| 2023–2024 | Enzo Maresca | Play-off final (lost) |
| 2024 | Steve Cooper | Sacked Nov 2024 |
| 2024–2025 | Ruud van Nistelrooy | Departed June 2024 |
| 2025 | Marti Cifuentes | Brief tenure |
| 2026 | Gary Rowett | Interim |
| 2026–present | Russell Martin | Current manager |
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Claudio Ranieri managed the 2015-16 Premier League title win
- Russell Martin is current manager as of June 2026
- Leicester have had approximately 45 managers since 1884
- Craig Shakespeare died on 1 June 2026
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons behind Brendan Rodgers’ sacking in April 2023 remain disputed publicly
- Long-term impact of five manager changes between 2024 and 2026
- Whether the board’s patience with Russell Martin will outlast poor early results
What people said
The manager at Leicester City is currently Russell Martin. He was appointed on 15 June 2026.— Wikipedia editors, Leicester City F.C. reference article
Leicester City have appointed Russell Martin as their new manager on a three-year contract.— Reuters news agency report
Ranieri was dismissed by Leicester, with the club one point above the relegation zone and 13 matches remaining.— Wikipedia encyclopedia entry on Claudio Ranieri
Summary
Leicester City’s managerial history reflects the club’s broader identity: an organization capable of producing moments of extraordinary brilliance while simultaneously generating chaos in the dugout. The 2015-16 Premier League title under Ranieri remains the defining achievement, yet it also illustrates the ruthless nature of modern football management — deliver miracles, and you can still be sacked nine months later. For Russell Martin, the mandate is clear: provide the stability that has eluded Leicester since 2023, or become another name on a list that now exceeds 45 managers.
en.wikipedia.org, football.fandom.com, espn.com, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, skysports.com, managerstats.co.uk, noticiasdirecto.com
Frequently asked questions
How many managers have Leicester City had?
Leicester City have had approximately 45 managers since 1884, according to third-party databases like Manager Stats. Exact counts vary depending on whether caretaker and interim appointments are included. Wikipedia’s list of Leicester City managers provides the most comprehensive chronological record.
Who is Leicester City’s most successful manager?
Claudio Ranieri is widely considered Leicester’s most successful manager due to the 2015-16 Premier League title — widely regarded as the greatest underdog achievement in football history. Brendan Rodgers also achieved significant success, winning the FA Cup in 2021 and guiding Leicester to consecutive fifth-place finishes.
Why did Leicester sack Brendan Rodgers?
Brendan Rodgers was sacked in April 2023 after Leicester won only two of their final 12 Premier League matches. The club sat 17th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone. While specific internal reasons were not publicly detailed, the decline in form and mounting pressure reportedly prompted owner King Power to act.
Who managed Leicester City in the 1990s?
Key managers during Leicester’s 1990s period included Martin O’Neill (1995–1999), who led the club to promotion and the 1997 League Cup final. Before him, managers like Brian Little and Mark McGhee guided the club through various league positions, including a stint in the second tier during the mid-1990s.
What is the average tenure of a Leicester City manager?
Average tenure varies significantly across different eras. In the modern Premier League period (post-1992), most managers have lasted between one and four years, with Brendan Rodgers’ 4.5-year spell (2019–2023) being the longest recent tenure. The 2024–2026 period saw exceptional turnover with five different managers.
Who was Leicester’s manager in their first Premier League season?
Leicester’s first Premier League season was 1994-95, when they were managed by Mark McGhee for part of the campaign before Brian Little took over. The club has been a regular Premier League fixture since 2014, with the notable exception of the 2023-24 season when they were relegated.
Has Leicester City ever had a player-manager?
Yes, several early-era figures combined playing and managerial duties before the modern distinction between the two roles became standard. In the modern era, no Leicester manager has simultaneously been a registered player. The club’s current manager, Russell Martin, previously played professionally but retired from playing before beginning his coaching career.
Which manager won the FA Cup for Leicester City?
Brendan Rodgers managed Leicester to their first-ever FA Cup victory in 2021, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium. This remains the club’s most recent major trophy and came during a season where Leicester also finished fifth in the Premier League.
Related reading
William Sondergaard
Fact-Checking Editor — William Sondergaard reviews football facts, biographical details, competition records, and historical claims before publication. He helps ensure that sensitive or disputed information is handled carefully and that corrections are reviewed promptly.