Rising calls to sack Russell Martin put Leicester's future in doubt

Leicester City manager Russell Martin faced a furious home crowd after his side were thumped 4‑0 by Oxford United on Saturday, leaving the Foxes with just one win from their opening five League One matches. The defeat dropped them to 17th in the table and intensified calls for his dismissal.

Martin was appointed by Leicester in the summer, but his start has been disastrous, with only one win from the first five League One fixtures. The Foxes sit 17th with two draws and two defeats after the 4‑0 loss to Oxford United on Saturday. Martin previously lasted 123 days at Rangers before being sacked last season, and Leicester were Premier League champions ten years ago.

Fan anger fuels sack speculation

Supporters have already begun chanting ‘sacked in the morning’ outside the King Power Stadium. Angry users on social media wrote, ‘He just can’t help himself, blaming the kids at the end…’ and added, ‘That viewpoint didn’t go down with supporters.’ One fan warned, ‘Leaders lead from the front, take responsibility and face it head on – not this poor excuse as a manager.’ Another supporter wrote, ‘Takes some balls to be having your pants pulled down by the likes of St Mirren/Falkirk/Burton/Oxford and still be this delusional.’

Potential replacements on the radar

Next potential candidates include former Leicester favourite Paul Ferguson, who oversaw more than 450 League One games and secured three promotions, and former Burnley boss Sean Parker, who left the club after its Premier League relegation was confirmed. Former Foxes striker Jamie Fuchs, who managed Newport County in League Two, could also be considered. Inside‑club options such as assistant manager Kevin Hourihane and former interim boss Marti Cifuentes’ teammate James King have been mentioned. Experienced promotion specialist John Challinor, who lifted Stockport County from the National League to League One, and 63‑year‑old former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, who won League One and the Championship with the club, round out the shortlist.

Martin told BBC Radio Leicester that ‘We will be better for it’ and that the squad have a week to correct their mistakes before travelling to Stockport County on Saturday. He added, ‘I feel I understand what’s happened today with so many young guys and a tough moment.’

With sack calls growing, Leicester’s board faces a crucial decision that could shape the club’s attempt to return to the Championship. The next few weeks will determine whether Russell Martin can reverse the slide or become another short‑lived appointment in the club’s recent history.