Paul Gallagher’s first half strike was enough to give Leicester City a much needed three points this afternoon against a poor Preston North End side at the Walkers Stadium.
The only goal came in the 36th minute when Gallagher latched on to a neat pass from Yuki Abe before slotting the ball past Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, in a game which seemed to spark out in the second half.
The result meant that Leicester leapfrog the visiting side in the Championship table, and also allowed the Foxes to finish October strongly, having picked up ten points from a possible fifteen since the appointment of manager Sven Goran-Eriksson.
Seven changes were made to the side that lost 4-1 to West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup during the week, whilst Preston were without suspended striker Jon Parkin following their 4-3 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
Darren Ferguson’s men could have taken the lead in the first minute when a slip from Foxes’ defender Jack Hobbs allowed Adam Barton in on goal, but the 19 year old could only curl the ball wide of the mark from twelve yards.
At the other end, Paul Gallagher had a rasping shot tipped over the bar by Andy Lonergan, who was again forced into action from Martyn Waghorn’s ensuing corner kick.
Waghorn then had a glorious opportunity to put the hosts ahead soon afterwards when Miguel Vitor’s header fell to the former Sunderland man just inside the penalty area, but his wild shot flew well wide of the post.
Preston again had a great opportunity to score minutes later when Keith Treacy’s looping cross appeared to beat Chris Weale, but the Leicester goalkeeper managed to tip Adam Barton’s header over the bar.
As the game slowed down, Leicester were able to maintain possession and pass the ball around with confidence against a Preston side featuring former Foxes Callum Davidson, Wayne Brown and fan favourite Iain Hume.
The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when Yuki Abe made a fine run through the heart of the Preston midfield before laying the ball off to Paul Gallagher, who fired precisely past the helpless Lonergan to net his first of the season.
Leicester remained the better side after the break, with full-backs Greg Cunningham and Kyle Naughton tirelessly running up and down the flanks to compliment any attacking play.
Cunningham – on loan from Manchester City – came close to doubling Leicester’s lead fifteen minutes into the second half after a wonderfully worked passage of play involving Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher allowed the youngster to continue his mazy run from the left back position into the Preston penalty area; however his shot fell just wide of the mark.
After that, the second half contained very few clear cut chances with Preston never really threatening the Leicester goal, and Gallagher almost put the game out of sight in the 85th minute when his fierce shot was tipped away by Lonergan at full stretch.
In the last minute of injury time, Wayne Brown almost snatched a point for the visitors when he latched on to a hopeful ball into the penalty area, but his unmarked header landed inches wide of the post, much to the delight of the Foxes fans behind the goal.
Leicester held on for only their second clean sheet of the season – and three important points - as Eriksson’s impressive league form continues to help the Foxes climb the Championship table.
Man of the Match – Miguel Vitor
Saturday 30 October 2010
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Leicester City 1 - 4 West Bromich Albion - 26th October 2010
Leicester City’s Carling Cup run came to a grinding halt as they were beaten 4-1 at home by high-flying West Bromwich Albion.
Simon Cox put the Baggies ahead after 21 minutes with a clever chip over Leicester goalkeeper Conrad Logan, but the Foxes equalised shortly after half-time when Nicky Shorey turned Paul Gallagher’s strike into his own net.
West Brom soon regained the lead after a calamitous goalkeeping error by Logan gave Somen Tchoyi the simplest of tap ins, and Steven Reid’s close range header with ten minutes remaining gave the visitors some breathing room and ended any chance of a cup upset.
Cox added his second – and Albion’s fourth – in the final minute of the game to cap off an unsuccessful evening for Foxes’ manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Roberto Di Matteo fielded an entirely different starting eleven from the side that defeated Fulham at the weekend – boosting them to sixth in the Premier League – whilst Eriksson made eight changes following Leicester’s away defeat at Swansea.
Leicester started positively in the opening twenty minutes of the match, with Paul Gallagher coming close with a low shot from distance which whistled past the post, followed by Lloyd Dyer forcing Baggies’ goalkeeper Boaz Myhill into action after a quick counter attack by Yuki Abe.
However it was their Midlands rivals who drew first blood against the run of play when a defensive mix-up in the penalty area allowed Simon Cox to latch onto Roman Bednar’s deflected shot and cleverly chip the ball over goalkeeper Conrad Logan from six yards.
The visitors almost doubled the lead minutes later when Giles Barnes played a low ball across the face of the Leicester goal, but Bednar was unable to turn it goal bound.
Gallagher fired a free kick wide shortly afterwards, but it was West Brom who finished the half strongly with Somen Tchoyi firing across goal after beating full-back Robbie Neilson to the ball, and Bednar forcing Conrad Logan to make an acrobatic fingertip save to steer his header away for a corner.
Ten minutes after the break, Leicester drew level when Paul Gallagher’s angled shot was inadvertently deflected into the West Brom goal by substitute Nicky Shorey.
The away side continued to threaten the Leicester defence but squandered decent opportunities to restore the lead, with Cox failing to trouble Logan despite beating the last defender, and Bednar heading the ball over at the near post.
The hosts could have capitalised through Yuki Abe after some clever work in midfield by Andy King, but the Japanese international was unable to hit the target with a low drive.
The Baggies were gifted the lead when a harmless long ball went straight through the hands of Foxes’ goalkeeper Conrad Logan and into the path of Somen Tchoyi, who put the ball into the open goal.
As Leicester heads dropped, West Brom began to show their Premier League superiority, dominating possession with spacious passing all over the pitch and denying Leicester any opportunity to threaten for an equaliser.
Logan regained some credibility by tipping Nicky Shorey’s free kick over the bar; however, the ensuing corner kick was headed home by an unmarked Steven Reid with ten minutes remaining to put the visitors 3-1 ahead, and in clear control of the game.
And in the 90th minute, Simon Cox’s unstoppable strike from 25 yards following a speedy counter attack sealed West Brom’s place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals and condemned Leicester City to their second loss in five days.
Man of the Match – Giles Barnes
Simon Cox put the Baggies ahead after 21 minutes with a clever chip over Leicester goalkeeper Conrad Logan, but the Foxes equalised shortly after half-time when Nicky Shorey turned Paul Gallagher’s strike into his own net.
West Brom soon regained the lead after a calamitous goalkeeping error by Logan gave Somen Tchoyi the simplest of tap ins, and Steven Reid’s close range header with ten minutes remaining gave the visitors some breathing room and ended any chance of a cup upset.
Cox added his second – and Albion’s fourth – in the final minute of the game to cap off an unsuccessful evening for Foxes’ manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Roberto Di Matteo fielded an entirely different starting eleven from the side that defeated Fulham at the weekend – boosting them to sixth in the Premier League – whilst Eriksson made eight changes following Leicester’s away defeat at Swansea.
Leicester started positively in the opening twenty minutes of the match, with Paul Gallagher coming close with a low shot from distance which whistled past the post, followed by Lloyd Dyer forcing Baggies’ goalkeeper Boaz Myhill into action after a quick counter attack by Yuki Abe.
However it was their Midlands rivals who drew first blood against the run of play when a defensive mix-up in the penalty area allowed Simon Cox to latch onto Roman Bednar’s deflected shot and cleverly chip the ball over goalkeeper Conrad Logan from six yards.
The visitors almost doubled the lead minutes later when Giles Barnes played a low ball across the face of the Leicester goal, but Bednar was unable to turn it goal bound.
Gallagher fired a free kick wide shortly afterwards, but it was West Brom who finished the half strongly with Somen Tchoyi firing across goal after beating full-back Robbie Neilson to the ball, and Bednar forcing Conrad Logan to make an acrobatic fingertip save to steer his header away for a corner.
Ten minutes after the break, Leicester drew level when Paul Gallagher’s angled shot was inadvertently deflected into the West Brom goal by substitute Nicky Shorey.
The away side continued to threaten the Leicester defence but squandered decent opportunities to restore the lead, with Cox failing to trouble Logan despite beating the last defender, and Bednar heading the ball over at the near post.
The hosts could have capitalised through Yuki Abe after some clever work in midfield by Andy King, but the Japanese international was unable to hit the target with a low drive.
The Baggies were gifted the lead when a harmless long ball went straight through the hands of Foxes’ goalkeeper Conrad Logan and into the path of Somen Tchoyi, who put the ball into the open goal.
As Leicester heads dropped, West Brom began to show their Premier League superiority, dominating possession with spacious passing all over the pitch and denying Leicester any opportunity to threaten for an equaliser.
Logan regained some credibility by tipping Nicky Shorey’s free kick over the bar; however, the ensuing corner kick was headed home by an unmarked Steven Reid with ten minutes remaining to put the visitors 3-1 ahead, and in clear control of the game.
And in the 90th minute, Simon Cox’s unstoppable strike from 25 yards following a speedy counter attack sealed West Brom’s place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals and condemned Leicester City to their second loss in five days.
Man of the Match – Giles Barnes
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Leicester City - New Signings Part Two
A couple of months ago, I promised to update an old article with new signings as and when they arrived at the club. However, transfers dried up a little after Yuki Abe and Martyn Waghorn signed for Leicester City, so here’s a look at the newest loan additions to the squad since Sven-Goran Eriksson took charge.
Name: Kyle Naughton
Age: 21
Position: Right back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until January 2011)
Last season:
After signing from Sheffield United in 2009, Naughton only featured once as a substitute for Tottenham Hotspur last season. He had a six month loan spell with Middlesborough from February 2010, playing in fifteen games.
First thoughts:
An bit of an unknown quantity unless seen playing during the 2008/09 season for Sheffield United, where he was voted Young Player of the Year by fans, and runner up Senior Player of the Year.
Who does he replace?
Robbie Neilson and Michael Lamey, who both featured during Paulo Sousa’s time in charge. Michael Morrison may also find that his opportunities become more limited as a result of a more experienced right back entering the fray.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Known for his blistering pace, Naughton offers an attacking option as an overlapping full back which suits Eriksson’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, especially with Lloyd Dyer and Dany N’Guessan both currently sidelined. More importantly, the former England under-21 man has already demonstrated great composure in defence. Scoring in Leicester’s 2-1 away win over Leeds United will give him extra confidence.
Transfer rating: 8/10
Name: Curtis Davies
Age: 25
Position: Centre back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Aston Villa for one month)
Last season:
Davies started 37 games for Villa under Martin O’Neill, scoring two goals in the process. However, he struggled to keep his place in the team after undergoing shoulder surgery in October 2009, as well as facing strong competition in the Villa defence from both Richard Dunne and James Collins.
First thoughts:
A very good signing, should he be able to stay injury free.
Who does he replace?
The hole in the defence left by the loss of Wayne Brown last season, which Paulo Sousa never really addressed during the summer.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Although only 25 years of age, Davies offers experience to a mostly youthful set of defenders. He is a gifted footballer but still happy to do the dirty work in defence and offers physical prowess and good aerial ability. The addition of Davies is likely to allow Jack Hobbs to play in the style he did last season, rather than filling in as the brawn of the two centre backs. If he can stay healthy, Davies should start every game for the next month.
Transfer rating: 9/10
Name: Darius Vassell
Age: 30
Position: Striker/Winger
Transfer fee: n/a (free agent)
Last season:
Vassell spent last season with Turkish side MKE Ankaragücü, scoring four times in 25 appearances.
First thoughts: Questions as to whether he still has the pace he previously demonstrated in the Premier League and at international level.
Who does he replace? Nobody in particular, although he does provide added depth amongst Leicester's strikers. Vassell could feature as a winger should Erikkson ever adopt a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
At the very least, Vassell offers experience to some of the younger attacking players, having formerly played for Aston Villa, Manchester City and England. Having played for Eriksson at the aforementioned latter two clubs, Vassell may be able to rediscover his previous good form in English football. He won’t be match fit for another week or so, but will be interesting to see how he fares in the Championship. This one could go either way.
Transfer rating: 7/10
Name: Kyle Naughton
Age: 21
Position: Right back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until January 2011)
Last season:
After signing from Sheffield United in 2009, Naughton only featured once as a substitute for Tottenham Hotspur last season. He had a six month loan spell with Middlesborough from February 2010, playing in fifteen games.
First thoughts:
An bit of an unknown quantity unless seen playing during the 2008/09 season for Sheffield United, where he was voted Young Player of the Year by fans, and runner up Senior Player of the Year.
Who does he replace?
Robbie Neilson and Michael Lamey, who both featured during Paulo Sousa’s time in charge. Michael Morrison may also find that his opportunities become more limited as a result of a more experienced right back entering the fray.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Known for his blistering pace, Naughton offers an attacking option as an overlapping full back which suits Eriksson’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, especially with Lloyd Dyer and Dany N’Guessan both currently sidelined. More importantly, the former England under-21 man has already demonstrated great composure in defence. Scoring in Leicester’s 2-1 away win over Leeds United will give him extra confidence.
Transfer rating: 8/10
Name: Curtis Davies
Age: 25
Position: Centre back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Aston Villa for one month)
Last season:
Davies started 37 games for Villa under Martin O’Neill, scoring two goals in the process. However, he struggled to keep his place in the team after undergoing shoulder surgery in October 2009, as well as facing strong competition in the Villa defence from both Richard Dunne and James Collins.
First thoughts:
A very good signing, should he be able to stay injury free.
Who does he replace?
The hole in the defence left by the loss of Wayne Brown last season, which Paulo Sousa never really addressed during the summer.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Although only 25 years of age, Davies offers experience to a mostly youthful set of defenders. He is a gifted footballer but still happy to do the dirty work in defence and offers physical prowess and good aerial ability. The addition of Davies is likely to allow Jack Hobbs to play in the style he did last season, rather than filling in as the brawn of the two centre backs. If he can stay healthy, Davies should start every game for the next month.
Transfer rating: 9/10
Name: Darius Vassell
Age: 30
Position: Striker/Winger
Transfer fee: n/a (free agent)
Last season:
Vassell spent last season with Turkish side MKE Ankaragücü, scoring four times in 25 appearances.
First thoughts: Questions as to whether he still has the pace he previously demonstrated in the Premier League and at international level.
Who does he replace? Nobody in particular, although he does provide added depth amongst Leicester's strikers. Vassell could feature as a winger should Erikkson ever adopt a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
At the very least, Vassell offers experience to some of the younger attacking players, having formerly played for Aston Villa, Manchester City and England. Having played for Eriksson at the aforementioned latter two clubs, Vassell may be able to rediscover his previous good form in English football. He won’t be match fit for another week or so, but will be interesting to see how he fares in the Championship. This one could go either way.
Transfer rating: 7/10
Sunday 17 October 2010
Leicester City 1 - 1 Hull City - 16th October 2010
Robert Koren’s second half goal was enough to earn Hull City a point at the Walkers Stadium and spoil new Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s home debut.
Andy King’s fifth goal of the season put the hosts ahead in just the third minute, but Robert Koren’s fine strike five minutes after half-time ensured that the points were shared in a heated match which featured the return of former Foxes manager Nigel Pearson to the Walkers Stadium.
Both of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s recently acquired loanees Kyle Naughton and Curtis Davies featured in the starting line-up for the Foxes, who both signed for Leicester this week.
Leicester dominated the first half and were ahead after three minutes through Andy King after some excellent work from Richie Wellens and Matt Oakley played the Welshman in behind the Hull defence, and was able to find a way past Matt Duke despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
King was again involved minutes later when his cross was met by the head of Martyn Waghorn in the penalty area, who forced an excellent save from Duke.
From the ensuing corner, Curtis Davies – on loan from Aston Villa – was unlucky not to double Leicester’s lead with a solid header which drifted back across goal.
Kyle Naughton – also on loan at Leicester, this time from Tottenham – looked very assured as he pushed forward to cross the ball to Steve Howard at the back post, who headed back to Andy King whose goal-bound effort was blocked by fellow Welsh international Anthony Gerrard.
Bruno Berner’s long range shot just before half-time had Duke at full stretch again, but the full-back’s effort ran just wide of the far post.
Hull were a completely different side in the second half, and they were level within minutes after the restart with their first real chance of the game as Robert Koren’s superb long range strike could only be parried into the net by returning Foxes keeper Chris Weale after the Leicester defence failed to close down the Slovenian.
The visitors were the better side for most of the second half, creating a number of good chances to go ahead, as Mark Cullen’s volley from a route one goal kick flew just over the crossbar.
Some last ditch defending by Bruno Berner thwarted Caleb Folan at the back post as Hull continued to press, with the Swiss international just doing enough to put the ball behind for a corner at the back post to avoid a certain goal.
The game twisted and turned in the latter stages of the half with both sides looking for a winner, as Leicester substitute Franck Moussa’s corner found Jack Hobbs at the back post, his header lacked power and was saved by Matt Duke.
At the other end, Chris Weale was forced to make a near post save from a Kevin Kilbane header with fifteen minutes remaining.
As time began to run out, Paul Gallagher had a great chance to put the Foxes ahead after the Hull defence failed to deal with a Martyn Waghorn corner, but the ball bounced up just before his strike, and his shot sailed over the bar from close range.
Leicester piled on the pressure in the dying minutes as Bruno Berner’s shot was blocked in the six yard box after another Waghorn corner, but could not find a way through despite four minutes of added time.
The final whistle meant that both sides would have to settle for a draw, as both managers – each seeming fairly pleased with a point – left the pitch to a standing ovation from the fans.
Man of the Match – Curtis Davies
Andy King’s fifth goal of the season put the hosts ahead in just the third minute, but Robert Koren’s fine strike five minutes after half-time ensured that the points were shared in a heated match which featured the return of former Foxes manager Nigel Pearson to the Walkers Stadium.
Both of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s recently acquired loanees Kyle Naughton and Curtis Davies featured in the starting line-up for the Foxes, who both signed for Leicester this week.
Leicester dominated the first half and were ahead after three minutes through Andy King after some excellent work from Richie Wellens and Matt Oakley played the Welshman in behind the Hull defence, and was able to find a way past Matt Duke despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
King was again involved minutes later when his cross was met by the head of Martyn Waghorn in the penalty area, who forced an excellent save from Duke.
From the ensuing corner, Curtis Davies – on loan from Aston Villa – was unlucky not to double Leicester’s lead with a solid header which drifted back across goal.
Kyle Naughton – also on loan at Leicester, this time from Tottenham – looked very assured as he pushed forward to cross the ball to Steve Howard at the back post, who headed back to Andy King whose goal-bound effort was blocked by fellow Welsh international Anthony Gerrard.
Bruno Berner’s long range shot just before half-time had Duke at full stretch again, but the full-back’s effort ran just wide of the far post.
Hull were a completely different side in the second half, and they were level within minutes after the restart with their first real chance of the game as Robert Koren’s superb long range strike could only be parried into the net by returning Foxes keeper Chris Weale after the Leicester defence failed to close down the Slovenian.
The visitors were the better side for most of the second half, creating a number of good chances to go ahead, as Mark Cullen’s volley from a route one goal kick flew just over the crossbar.
Some last ditch defending by Bruno Berner thwarted Caleb Folan at the back post as Hull continued to press, with the Swiss international just doing enough to put the ball behind for a corner at the back post to avoid a certain goal.
The game twisted and turned in the latter stages of the half with both sides looking for a winner, as Leicester substitute Franck Moussa’s corner found Jack Hobbs at the back post, his header lacked power and was saved by Matt Duke.
At the other end, Chris Weale was forced to make a near post save from a Kevin Kilbane header with fifteen minutes remaining.
As time began to run out, Paul Gallagher had a great chance to put the Foxes ahead after the Hull defence failed to deal with a Martyn Waghorn corner, but the ball bounced up just before his strike, and his shot sailed over the bar from close range.
Leicester piled on the pressure in the dying minutes as Bruno Berner’s shot was blocked in the six yard box after another Waghorn corner, but could not find a way through despite four minutes of added time.
The final whistle meant that both sides would have to settle for a draw, as both managers – each seeming fairly pleased with a point – left the pitch to a standing ovation from the fans.
Man of the Match – Curtis Davies
Friday 15 October 2010
Why Nigel Pearson's return to the Walkers Stadium should be a welcome one
With all of the goings on at the Walkers Stadium over the last two weeks; the departure of boss Paulo Sousa and subsequent arrival of new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, Leicester’s successful mid-season tour of Thailand and new signings on the way, the return of Nigel Pearson to his former club tomorrow afternoon has not been as much on the radar as one might have initially anticipated at the commencement of this Championship season.
Pearson left Leicester during the summer after apparent fallings out behind the scenes, and despite various statements being released, the rumour mill churning out various stories and the former Foxes manager actually being interviewed on BBC Radio Leicester recently, the fans are still unsure as to the real reason for his exit. His departure left most fans confused, more than anything else. It was difficult to understand why the man who led Leicester to two successful seasons would seemingly ‘leave’ for pastures new at Hull City. Did he walk? Was he pushed? Who did he fall out with – and over what?
Nigel Pearson said in that interview that he felt the club did not do enough to keep him, although it hardly answers all questions. Pearson – now with Hull City, Leicester’s next opponents - always kept his cards held close to his chest, and so fans may never know the full extent of what happened. But that should not stop the Blue Army faithful from welcoming him with a standing ovation.
In recent years, many have come and gone through the revolving door that is the position of Leicester City manager. But few – if any, since the days of Martin O’Neill – have made such an impact as Nigel Pearson did during his two years at the helm.
After relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in the club’s history, Pearson led Leicester to promotion back into the Championship and to the playoffs during the subsequent season – the club’s best finish in that division since 2003. He signed players like Lloyd Dyer, Richie Wellens, Jack Hobbs and Chris Weale who are now fan favourites. He turned the Walkers Stadium into a fortress, only losing five times at home in two seasons. He gave very little away, never playing into the hands of interviewers – yet acted like a true professional at all times and acted decisively during games without cracking under the pressure. Most importantly, he gave Foxes fans a sense of optimism that good things were happening. And that should be appreciated.
There is no doubt that the most important thing for Foxes fans tomorrow is that Leicester beat Hull City, take three points and start climbing the Championship table as quickly as possible. There is a huge mountain to climb in terms of getting this season back on track. But before kick-off, and whilst this may not fit the protocol regarding managers returning to former clubs, I hope Nigel Pearson gets the welcome back tomorrow he truly deserves.
Pearson left Leicester during the summer after apparent fallings out behind the scenes, and despite various statements being released, the rumour mill churning out various stories and the former Foxes manager actually being interviewed on BBC Radio Leicester recently, the fans are still unsure as to the real reason for his exit. His departure left most fans confused, more than anything else. It was difficult to understand why the man who led Leicester to two successful seasons would seemingly ‘leave’ for pastures new at Hull City. Did he walk? Was he pushed? Who did he fall out with – and over what?
Nigel Pearson said in that interview that he felt the club did not do enough to keep him, although it hardly answers all questions. Pearson – now with Hull City, Leicester’s next opponents - always kept his cards held close to his chest, and so fans may never know the full extent of what happened. But that should not stop the Blue Army faithful from welcoming him with a standing ovation.
In recent years, many have come and gone through the revolving door that is the position of Leicester City manager. But few – if any, since the days of Martin O’Neill – have made such an impact as Nigel Pearson did during his two years at the helm.
After relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in the club’s history, Pearson led Leicester to promotion back into the Championship and to the playoffs during the subsequent season – the club’s best finish in that division since 2003. He signed players like Lloyd Dyer, Richie Wellens, Jack Hobbs and Chris Weale who are now fan favourites. He turned the Walkers Stadium into a fortress, only losing five times at home in two seasons. He gave very little away, never playing into the hands of interviewers – yet acted like a true professional at all times and acted decisively during games without cracking under the pressure. Most importantly, he gave Foxes fans a sense of optimism that good things were happening. And that should be appreciated.
There is no doubt that the most important thing for Foxes fans tomorrow is that Leicester beat Hull City, take three points and start climbing the Championship table as quickly as possible. There is a huge mountain to climb in terms of getting this season back on track. But before kick-off, and whilst this may not fit the protocol regarding managers returning to former clubs, I hope Nigel Pearson gets the welcome back tomorrow he truly deserves.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Sven-Göran Eriksson: can the former England boss take Leicester City to the top?
It is without question that the dismissal of former boss Paulo Sousa, followed by the somewhat hasty signing of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, has rocked the boat at Leicester City. His unsuccessful stint as the director of football at Notts County left little to be desired, resulting in Eriksson leaving the club within a matter of months last season. Therefore it is unsurprising that Foxes fans are hardly bowled over with this new managerial appointment.
However, I believe that there is reason to be more optimistic. I agree with Milan Mandaric’s justification behind the sacking of Paulo Sousa last week. Sousa is a classy guy and he did have potential. Leicester City played exciting, attacking football under him which was very refreshing to see, and the argument can quickly be made that nine league games is not a long enough time period for any manager to make his mark on a football club (bearing in mind he also won three cup games in the two months he was at the Walkers Stadium). But the defence was uncharacteristically bad. 22 goals were conceded in nine games. Last season under Nigel Pearson, Leicester only conceded 45 goals all season with essentially the same group of defenders. While some players were excelling under Sousa’s attacking style of football, others such as Jack Hobbs and Michael Morrison began to look increasingly uncomfortable, resulting on too much pressure being put on more attacking players to overcome an almost inevitable deficit in every game.
How long can a chairman sit and wait before the season becomes seriously damaged – considering the expectations after last season? If Milan Mandaric had waited until Christmas before finding a new manager - with Sousa’s style showing no signs of improvement – he would have been criticised by the fans for waiting too long. Mandaric was in a very difficult situation, and he had to make a difficult decision. As cruel as it may be, it is easier to replace your manager than it is to replace a large number of players – especially when said players have such talent and potential, as has been demonstrated over the previous two seasons.
But the decision to bring Eriksson in seems as though it could have been in the pipeline long before Sousa’s final two games in charge against Portsmouth and Norwich, which is unfair. Sousa had a plan for this club, and Mandaric was well aware of that plan when he offered him the position. But Mandaric has said on countless occasions that he is willing to do whatever it takes to bring success to Leicester City, and sitting at the bottom of the Championship after almost a quarter of the season is not a good place to be. Although there is still a long way to go in this Championship campaign, a change had to be made to bring success to this season.
Like many others, I don’t strictly disapprove of the appointment of Eriksson. As mentioned earlier, he has managed at international level, and in the Premier League, and thus has a great deal of experience in English football. Mandaric has also been criticised for his selection, it being labelled as a publicity stunt by fans and the media. However, Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn and the other members of the Thai-based consortium who own the club would have had as much input regarding the hiring of Eriksson as the chairman did. If that is the case, then this is not so much a publicity stunt as it is the owners showing intolerance to failure, and an expectation of good results. Whilst Mandaric has demonstrated a track record for showing impatience with managers at times, if the decision had been purely down to him, Paulo Sousa probably would have been given more time at the helm. The possibility, therefore, that the new ownership could once again in a quick turnover of managers – as experienced during the 2007/2008 season – is a realistic one.
I also worry that Eriksson could flood his backroom with outside names, having already brought in Derek Fazackerley, whom he worked with during his time at Manchester City. This could potentially force out coaches, and current stand-in managers, Chris Powell and Mike Stowell. This would be a huge mistake. As can be demonstrated by the way Leicester bounced back against Scunthorpe United at the weekend, many of the players have a great connection with both of these coaches, and the club itself is lucky to have them as part of the backroom staff. Both have also expressed their interest in staying at the club, and Eriksson would do well to keep them around to help with the development of the first team players, and also to gain the trust and support of the Blue Army faithful.
Life is never dull as a Leicester City supporter, and once again the club appears to be headed for uncertain times. However, fans should not necessarily be pessimistic. The squad is still very strong, and as far as league position goes, the only way is up. If Eriksson can get the best from these players then he could be on to a winner. If they don’t respond, then his time at the Walkers Stadium – like Paulo Sousa – could be short lived. The jury is still out on this appointment, but Eriksson certainly has the potential to bring this football club back to winning ways.
However, I believe that there is reason to be more optimistic. I agree with Milan Mandaric’s justification behind the sacking of Paulo Sousa last week. Sousa is a classy guy and he did have potential. Leicester City played exciting, attacking football under him which was very refreshing to see, and the argument can quickly be made that nine league games is not a long enough time period for any manager to make his mark on a football club (bearing in mind he also won three cup games in the two months he was at the Walkers Stadium). But the defence was uncharacteristically bad. 22 goals were conceded in nine games. Last season under Nigel Pearson, Leicester only conceded 45 goals all season with essentially the same group of defenders. While some players were excelling under Sousa’s attacking style of football, others such as Jack Hobbs and Michael Morrison began to look increasingly uncomfortable, resulting on too much pressure being put on more attacking players to overcome an almost inevitable deficit in every game.
How long can a chairman sit and wait before the season becomes seriously damaged – considering the expectations after last season? If Milan Mandaric had waited until Christmas before finding a new manager - with Sousa’s style showing no signs of improvement – he would have been criticised by the fans for waiting too long. Mandaric was in a very difficult situation, and he had to make a difficult decision. As cruel as it may be, it is easier to replace your manager than it is to replace a large number of players – especially when said players have such talent and potential, as has been demonstrated over the previous two seasons.
But the decision to bring Eriksson in seems as though it could have been in the pipeline long before Sousa’s final two games in charge against Portsmouth and Norwich, which is unfair. Sousa had a plan for this club, and Mandaric was well aware of that plan when he offered him the position. But Mandaric has said on countless occasions that he is willing to do whatever it takes to bring success to Leicester City, and sitting at the bottom of the Championship after almost a quarter of the season is not a good place to be. Although there is still a long way to go in this Championship campaign, a change had to be made to bring success to this season.
Like many others, I don’t strictly disapprove of the appointment of Eriksson. As mentioned earlier, he has managed at international level, and in the Premier League, and thus has a great deal of experience in English football. Mandaric has also been criticised for his selection, it being labelled as a publicity stunt by fans and the media. However, Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn and the other members of the Thai-based consortium who own the club would have had as much input regarding the hiring of Eriksson as the chairman did. If that is the case, then this is not so much a publicity stunt as it is the owners showing intolerance to failure, and an expectation of good results. Whilst Mandaric has demonstrated a track record for showing impatience with managers at times, if the decision had been purely down to him, Paulo Sousa probably would have been given more time at the helm. The possibility, therefore, that the new ownership could once again in a quick turnover of managers – as experienced during the 2007/2008 season – is a realistic one.
I also worry that Eriksson could flood his backroom with outside names, having already brought in Derek Fazackerley, whom he worked with during his time at Manchester City. This could potentially force out coaches, and current stand-in managers, Chris Powell and Mike Stowell. This would be a huge mistake. As can be demonstrated by the way Leicester bounced back against Scunthorpe United at the weekend, many of the players have a great connection with both of these coaches, and the club itself is lucky to have them as part of the backroom staff. Both have also expressed their interest in staying at the club, and Eriksson would do well to keep them around to help with the development of the first team players, and also to gain the trust and support of the Blue Army faithful.
Life is never dull as a Leicester City supporter, and once again the club appears to be headed for uncertain times. However, fans should not necessarily be pessimistic. The squad is still very strong, and as far as league position goes, the only way is up. If Eriksson can get the best from these players then he could be on to a winner. If they don’t respond, then his time at the Walkers Stadium – like Paulo Sousa – could be short lived. The jury is still out on this appointment, but Eriksson certainly has the potential to bring this football club back to winning ways.
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