Will the Foxes flourish or Flop?

Article by e-Leicester City Correspondent Ross Eade

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Celebrations and a sense of excitement have been at an all time high in the city of Leicester for the past couple of weeks. Following a dominant campaign in the Sky Bet Championship, Leicester City have lifted the trophy as the League Champions, but more importantly, secured themselves a spot back in the Premier League after a ten year absence. However the question on many peoples lips now is, can they stay there?

While many of us kick back over the summer and enjoy the spectacle of the world cup, I’m sure Nigel Pearson and his team of backroom staff will have their minds firmly fixed on the upcoming task in hand. Historically, surviving at the highest level of English football has always been a tough task. Most recently we have seen success stories with the likes of Southampton and Swansea. But also seen disappointment with teams such as Reading and Cardiff relegated in their first season back in the big time. So whose footsteps will Leicester follow in? And what are going to be the key factors in their success or failure?

One of the most crucial tasks Pearson will have to tackle is to secure the core of the team that have operated so well together over the past 12 months. With the outstanding Kasper Schmeichel and top scorer David Nugent out of contract at the end of the season, Nigel will be keen to get them to put pen to paper and extend their stay at the King Power Stadium, despite interest from a collection of other clubs. Lloyd Dyer may be on his way out as contract negotiations seem to have come to a halt, with the winger wanting a longer extension on his contract than the one year offered, creating interest from the likes of Watford and Nottingham Forest for his signature. A handful of fringe players have been released, including names such as Neil Danns, Zak Whitbread and Sean St. Ledger. Gary Taylor-Fletcher has already been confirmed to have extended his stay at the club. While the legendary Kevin Phillips has chosen to hang his boots up, but is currently in talks about a coaching role at the club.

The setup of the squad on a whole is very strong. With Kasper Schmeichel and club captain Wes Morgan commanding a solid defence. A hardworking midfield with young player of the year Matty James and player of the year Danny Drinkwater at the heart of it. Creative play coming in from the wings with Anthony Knockaert and Riyad Mahrez. Topped off by a strike duo that have scored 36 league goals between them in David Nugent and the ever hard working Jamie Vardy. Pearson has already commented in an interview that no major changes will made to the squad over the summer, as not to disrupt the harmony of the team. But the squad will need to be added to in order to have the depth to be competitive in the Premier League.

Nigel Pearson seems to have the full backing of a supportive Chairman, who has already stated that Leicester will be sticking well within the rules of Financial Fair Play. This may trigger Pearson to go on the hunt for bargains and hidden gems, which he has a decent track record of, with signing lesser known players such as Knockaert and Mahrez, along with the experienced Phillips and Taylor-Fletcher, who have been vital to his team’s success.

Nigel Pearson himself has a fantastic record with Leicester. In his four full seasons at the helm he has got the club to two playoffs and two championships. He is a very level headed manager, who only has eyes for the task directly in hand. Over the past season he has never got carried away, speculated or concerned himself with other team’s results. In fact the day his team were confirmed as promoted he was out on a bike ride in the countryside. His calm approach to the game has worked well for Leicester and shows the club are in good hands. The gaffer is yet to sign an extension on his current deal so I’m sure all Leicester City Fans will be waiting with bated breath until he does.

The fans of the club are sure to do their bit to help the foxes push on in the Premier League. With the allocation of 7000 new season tickets sold out in 52 hours and the vast majority of current holders expected to renew, the King Power Stadium may well become a fortress for the Foxes.

So, how do I, a Leicester fan myself, feel my beloved club will fair in one of Europe’s top leagues? All factors taken into consideration, under the current regime and with the current crop of talent, Leicester City have a fantastic platform to build on to become a solid Premier League side. However, we all know it’s much easier said than done when it comes to the top flight. I’m sure all Leicester fans will continue to celebrate our victory long into the summer. But on Saturday the 16th of August, the hard work really begins.

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