From 5,000-1 glory to League One: Leicester’s miracle retold a decade on | OneFootball

A decade after Leicester’s 5,000-1 title shock, the memories still feel unreal as the club prepare for League One, with new boss Russell Martin expected to take them back to the Championship at the first attempt.

As reported by BBC UK, Leicester were crowned on 2 May 2016 when Tottenham drew 2-2 at Chelsea. The next day eight reporters were quietly summoned to Belvoir Drive, where Claudio Ranieri received an ovation.

Ranieri, back in England 12 years after leaving Chelsea, shelved plans for double sessions with assistant Craig Shakespeare’s help. He did take the squad to make pizzas after the first clean sheet against Crystal Palace in October 2015, a bonding exercise Robert Huth felt sharpened communication.

Riyad Mahrez excelled and Jamie Vardy hit 24 league goals. Vardy hosted the title-night gathering, some team-mates were delayed at a police station by crowds, while Nathan Dyer watched from hospital after the birth of his second child. Dyer had joined on loan from Swansea on deadline day, flown in by late owner Khun Vichai’s helicopter.

Leicester trailed Arsenal by two points at New Year, then lost once in their final 16, a late defeat at Arsenal in February. Local butchers W Archer & Son created a Ranieri sausage that sold up to 12kg a day, with the manager dubbing himself the sausageman.

Foxes Trust co-chair Lynn Wyeth won £10,000 from a £2 bet at 5,000-1, later retiring at 55 instead of 67 after a brief account freeze for checks.

Source: BBC UK

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