Russell Martin’s Leicester to-do list before Notts County, exits, signings and reconnecting with fans | OneFootball

The League One schedule is set, with Leicester opening at Notts County on Saturday 15 August, live on Sky Sports, then hosting Burton Albion seven days later. Pre-season starts next week, and the first friendly is against Northampton Town on 11 July.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, Russell Martin’s immediate priority is to install a possession-based style and prepare for opponents who will try to frustrate. He has around six weeks to embed ideas before Nottingham.

Outgoings top the list. After back-to-back relegations, an exodus is expected, yet movement beyond confirmed contract leavers has been limited. Victor Kristiansen, Ben Nelson, Harry Winks, Jeremy Monga and Abdul Fatawu have been linked with departures, and there could be at least 10 exits by the window’s end, with the start of July often a trigger.

Appointed nearly two weeks ago, Martin will shape who stays, and some likely leavers may still train in pre-season until deals are done.

Incomings are just as pressing. A rebuild is required, with recruits who fit Martin’s approach and can deliver promotion, though recent recruitment has concerned supporters and excitement will only grow once signings walk through the door.

Repairing the bond with fans is essential. A decade on from the Premier League title and five years from the FA Cup win, the club has suffered successive relegations and boardroom errors, with many home games last season met by boos and anger.

This season offers a chance to show change off the pitch, while winning regularly would help restore togetherness. Martin has faced questions over his time at Rangers, and pre-season is a platform to persuade doubters.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk