I think Russell Martin is the "right man" for Leicester City - Here is why | OneFootball

FLW's Leicester City fan pundit believes that the former Southampton boss is the right man for the job

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

The writing has been on the wall for Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester City for over a month now, since the Foxes were relegated back to the Championship in April.

Leicester are in for a rather tumultuous summer period, with the question mark surrounding their alleged financial rule breach hanging over them, as well as the need to bring in new players and, even more likely, a new manager.

Former Southampton boss Russell Martin is the favourite to be the new man in the dugout at the King Power Stadium, but after picking up just five points in his 16 games in the Premier League this season at St Mary's, many Foxes fans have soured on the idea.

Not in the opinion of FLW's Leicester City fan pundit, Louchlainn Martin, however, who believes that, of all the available free options, Russell Martin is the one best suited to the club, despite his poor top-flight showing, for the upcoming season.

Russell Martin's playing style would suit Leicester City, according to fan pundit

Martin admits that his opinion is an unpopular one among the Leicester City fanbase, but feels that there aren't many better available than the 39-year-old.

"I seem to be one of the only Leicester fans out there who's actually keen on Russell Martin and that's purely based on the available options. I don't believe that the club will pay compensation for somebody like Danny Rohl, so Martin is the best out of the free agents," he explained.

"I think he's the right man because Leicester's playing squad are keen on playing a possession-heavy style of football. You could see that under Enzo Maresca, but when Steve Cooper came in, they didn't take to the more pragmatic style. They even had that night in Copenhagen where they held up the 'Enzo I miss you' sign."

Martin's possession-based tactics worked well in the Championship, leading Southampton to a 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions and a victory in the play-off final over Leeds United in the 2023/24 campaign.

As to which players would be able to stand out under the former Saints boss, Martin singled out three names.

"Russell Martin would get the best out of players such as Ricardo Periera, Harry Winks who was out of the squad for the last six or so weeks of the season under Ruud van Nistelrooy, and someone like Jannik Vestergaard too, who we all thought was set to leave," he stated.

"[Vestergaard] has another two years on his contract, and I can see him playing for us next season. He's a centre back who's comfortable playing out from the back, which would fit his style."

Russell Martin would have low short-term expectations at Leicester City

According to the BBC, Leicester City could face a points deduction soon after being charged with an alleged breach of the EFL's financial rules. Therefore, Martin feels that his side isn't likely to get promoted immediately back to the Premier League, despite that being the obvious goal.

However, that could come across as a good thing, as it would give Russell Martin time to implement his playing style and prove himself as a manager Leicester can rely on in a future top-flight campaign.

"I think Russell Martin would bring stability," Martin said. "If we won enough games to float around the play-offs with a points deduction, that would be brilliant, and I think a lot of Leicester fans would quickly change their minds and get on board."

He must do this if he were to be appointed, as many Foxes fans currently feel it would be a step backwards if he were to be appointed. Leicester beat Southampton twice, the last time they were both in the Championship, by a 9-1 aggregate scoreline, and Martin's Premier League record doesn't make for pretty viewing.

"Evidence suggests that Martin isn't capable of keeping a team in the Premier League and the players we would have would be a cut below the quality you need in the top flight," Martin concluded.

"Ultimately, we would have to cross that bridge when we got to it. We'd have to have a 10/10 window and bring in the players capable of staying up.