Leicester City set to appoint Gary Rowett as head coach | OneFootball

Leicester City are set to appoint former player Gary Rowett as their new head coach as the club fight to avoid relegation from the Championship, BBC Sport has reported. The 51-year-old took training on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as the permanent successor to Marti Cifuentes, who was dismissed last month after a run of poor results deepened the club’s relegation concerns.

Rowett returns to familiar surroundings, having spent two years at Leicester as a player after joining from Birmingham City in 2000. He arrives with extensive Championship experience, having previously managed Birmingham, Derby County, Stoke City, Millwall, and most recently Oxford United, where he was sacked in December following a difficult spell. Leicester hope his experience in the division will prove vital as they attempt to steady their season.

The Foxes are currently third from bottom, two points from safety, and their position has been worsened by a six-point deduction for breaching spending rules. They have also lost all four matches under interim boss Andy King, extending a run of poor form that has left confidence low.

With 14 matches remaining, Rowett faces an immediate challenge to stabilise results and restore belief. Leicester are now turning to a familiar figure in the hope he can guide the club away from danger and secure their Championship status.

GFN | Finn Entwistle