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Russell Martin is emerging as a strong contender to take the helm at Leicester City, as the club faces uncertainty regarding the future of current manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. Former Crystal Palace chairman and talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has voiced his support for Martin, highlighting his pivotal role in Southampton’s promotion success last season. Jordan suggests that Martin’s ability to rebuild team morale and drive success could be exactly what Leicester needs as they prepare for the upcoming Championship season.
Simon Jordan said: “Russell Martin, I like him and dislike him in equal measure. I liked him a lot last year. I thought he was the ingredient that got Southampton out of that division. I was very impressed with him. They lost a game against Cardiff and he was very unhappy about it because it was an opportunity to get themselves into an automatic promotion spot. Southampton were the form side at the time and they threw it away. His controlled irritation turned his team into a galvanised unit. In the play-offs, they weren’t the favourites.”
Jordan continued: “But also this year, he at times got carried away with himself about what he is and what he isn’t. That in part may have facilitated a difficult relationship with the owner of Southampton, which eventually maybe got him out of the door. Maybe he didn’t want to change and adapt, and wanted to continue with a philosophy that wasn’t going to work for Southampton. That doesn’t mean he’s incapable of galvanising Leicester. They’re probably going to get a points deduction in the Championship so they will start at a disadvantage, like Sheffield United did. But it didn’t hurt Sheffield United that much because they’ve got themselves into a position where they’re the favourites for the play-offs.”
Jordan added: “There’s a good rhyme and reason behind Russell Martin. He’s proven at this level, he’s proven he can go into a club like Southampton that weren’t expected to operate at the level they were operating with him, and he got them to a level where they did. People make mistakes, people learn lessons. I don’t think it’s a bad appointment.”
Jordan’s endorsement of Martin comes amid growing speculation about managerial changes at Leicester City. With van Nistelrooy’s future in doubt and his request for talks with the club’s hierarchy reportedly ignored, the potential appointment of Martin is seen as a strategic move to boost Leicester’s chances of promotion. Martin’s track record with Southampton, particularly his ability to galvanize the team after setbacks, is viewed as a valuable asset for Leicester as they navigate potential challenges, including a possible points deduction in the Championship.
The prospect of Martin leading Leicester City is intriguing, especially considering his experience in overcoming adversity and driving success at the Championship level. As the club evaluates its options, Martin’s proven leadership and ability to adapt could be key factors in Leicester’s decision-making process.
