Is Leicester Ready to Appoint Rowett as Their New Manager?

Championship strugglers Leicester City are reportedly set to appoint Gary Rowett as their new head coach following his recent dismissal from Oxford United. Rowett's extensive experience in the Championship, coupled with his history as a player at Leicester, positions him as a potentially pivotal figure in the club's fight against relegation.

Last updated: 27 October 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

Leicester City is currently facing a precarious situation in the Championship, sitting third from bottom and two points adrift of safety. Following the dismissal of Marti Cifuentes three weeks ago, interim manager Andy King has struggled, overseeing a run of four consecutive losses and a six-point deduction due to financial rule breaches. Gary Rowett, who took training on Wednesday, is expected to steer Leicester through the remaining 14 matches of the season in a bid to secure their Championship status.

Key takeaways

Gary Rowett is set to be appointed as Leicester City's new head coach.
Leicester City is currently in the relegation zone, struggling with form and financial penalties.
Rowett has previous managerial experience in the Championship, having managed five clubs.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines the key events leading up to Gary Rowett's potential appointment at Leicester City:

September 2025: Oxford United draw 2-2 with Leicester City.
December 2025: Gary Rowett is dismissed as head coach of Oxford United.
October 2025: Marti Cifuentes is sacked as Leicester City head coach.
Late October 2025: Leicester City is docked six points for financial breaches and is currently third from bottom in the Championship.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Gary Rowett has stepped in to take training at Leicester City, and reports suggest he is the leading candidate to take over as permanent head coach.

What was already established

Leicester City has been struggling in the Championship, having lost all four matches since Cifuentes' departure. The club is also facing a six-point deduction for breaching financial regulations, compounding their difficulties this season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing struggles of Leicester City could affect local businesses and fan engagement. A relegation would significantly reduce revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships, impacting the local economy.

Businesses and jobs

Leicester's precarious position could affect job security within the club and its associated businesses. If relegation occurs, it may lead to cuts in staffing across various departments and a shift in focus for future investments.

Policy and regulation

The financial penalties imposed on Leicester City highlight the importance of compliance with spending rules in football. This situation may prompt discussions around regulatory changes to prevent similar breaches in the future.

Numbers that matter

14: The number of matches remaining in the Championship season for Leicester City.
6: The points deducted from Leicester City due to a breach of financial rules.
3: The current position of Leicester City in the Championship, sitting in the relegation zone.

Definitions and jargon buster

Championship: The second tier of professional football in England, below the Premier League.
Interim Manager: A temporary manager appointed to oversee a team until a permanent replacement is found.
Financial Breaches: Violations of financial regulations set by governing bodies, which can result in penalties such as points deductions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Gary Rowett's immediate challenge will be to instil confidence in the players and reverse the current form to secure vital points in upcoming fixtures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If Rowett is confirmed as head coach, he will need to develop a strategy to improve the team’s performance and avoid relegation, potentially requiring tactical shifts and player adjustments.

Signals to watch

Performance of Leicester City in their next few matches, particularly against fellow relegation candidates.
Reactions from fans and stakeholders regarding Rowett’s appointment.
Updates on any further regulatory actions or penalties related to financial breaches.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on Leicester City's upcoming fixtures and Rowett's tactical changes.
Monitor fan reactions and club communications regarding the managerial situation.
Consider the implications of potential relegation on local businesses and services.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of fan support; it can play a crucial role in the team’s morale.
Ignore updates regarding financial regulations, as they could impact the club's future.
Overlook the importance of performance analysis in upcoming matches.

Checklist

Assess the current squad's strengths and weaknesses.
Evaluate the impact of Rowett's previous managerial experiences.
Stay informed on the club’s financial situation and compliance measures.
Track Leicester City’s performance in the next four matches.
Engage with local supporters to gauge sentiment and potential actions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Gary Rowett’s appointment could bring stability, uncertainties remain regarding the team’s ability to reverse its current form. Additionally, the financial implications and potential further penalties could complicate matters. Each match results will be critical in determining both the team’s fate and Rowett’s future at the club.

Bottom line

Leicester City is at a crucial juncture, and the potential appointment of Gary Rowett could be a turning point in their battle against relegation. What happens next will be pivotal, not only for the club but also for its fans and the local economy.

FAQs

What is the current situation with Leicester City?

Leicester City is currently third from bottom in the Championship and facing relegation, compounded by a six-point deduction for financial breaches.

Who is Gary Rowett?

Gary Rowett is a former Leicester City player and an experienced Championship manager, previously managing clubs like Birmingham and Millwall.

What impact could Rowett have on Leicester City?

If appointed, Gary Rowett could help improve team morale and performance, potentially steering Leicester away from relegation.