Leicester City’s feeble fight for Championship survival was ended this week as the troubled club suffered relegation down to League One, just 10 years after they famously lifted the Premier League title.
The Foxes will return to the third-tier for the first time since 2008-09 and for only the second time in their entire history. With a summer of colossal change on the cards, we’ve taken a look at who could spearhead the rebuild next term, should – as expected – incumbent Gary Rowett depart at the end of the season.
Next Leicester City manager odds
| Manager | talkSPORT BET Odds |
|---|---|
| Russell Martin | 5/1 |
| Ralph Hasenhuttl | 8/1 |
| Michael Skubala | 10/1 |
| Alan Sheehan | 12/1 |
| Enzo Maresca | 14/1 |
| Kevin Muscat | 14/1 |
| Dean Smith | 16/1 |
| Dave Challinor | 16/1 |
| Steven Gerrard | 16/1 |
| Chris Coleman | 16/1 |
| You have to be 18+ to gamble. UK only. All odds within this article are accurate at the time of writing (24/04/2026). Be Gamble Aware. |
Russell Martin
Russell Martin has been installed as the 5/1 favourite to become the next Leicester City manager, according to talkSPORT Bet.
Martin is embedded to his possession-based philosophy, which has its positives and negatives. In his last EFL season he led Southampton to promotion via the play-offs in 2023-24, with the Saints topping the charts for numerous metrics: most shots (745), most shots on target (275), completed passes (32,194), and final third passes completed (8,542).
However, Martin’s methods were savagely exposed in the Premier League, where Southampton endured a nightmare start that saw him dismissed after 13 defeats in 16 games. His reluctance to adjust his style led to growing frustration among supporters and ultimately cost him his job.
A subsequent stint at Rangers was one of the most toxic and turbulent managerial spells in recent times; marked by protests, heavy criticism, and just one win in seven league matches.
Since then, Martin has stepped away from the spotlight and is likely considering his next move carefully. You would expect he has used this time to reflect and refine his methods. Dropping into League One after managing in the Premier League and Scottish top-flight would represent a significant step down, but Leicester City will be a huge club at this level and would be expected to push strongly for an immediate return to the Championship – assuming there are no further points deductions.
But, there would be question marks over whether Martin is the right fit for a club in desperate need of unity, given his toxic spell at Rangers.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Another former Southampton manager is next in the betting at 8/1.
Ralph Hasenhuttl was the unfortunate manager in the opposite dugout when Leicester conjured up a Premier League record 9-0 demolition of the Saints back in October 2019. The Austrian kept his job and even survived another 9-0 loss, but those two shockers aside, on the whole he can look back on a transformative spell, where he implemented an attractive, high-energy pressing system, and even took the Saints top of the table.
Hasenhuttl has since had a spell back in Germany at Wolfsburg but has been out-of-work since leaving the club two years ago. He was linked with Leicester earlier this year following the sacking of Marti Cifuentes, and could be on their radar again this summer.
Michael Skubala
Beyond the familiar names of former Southampton managers, Michael Skubala represents an intriguing 10/1 option.
Skubala was recently named League One Manager of the Season at the EFL Awards after an absolutely outstanding campaign with Lincoln City, who he’s propelled to the League One title, bringing Championship football to the club for the first time in 65 years.
The 43-year-old, in his first managerial role, currently has his side on a remarkable 27-game unbeaten league run (21 wins, six draws) stretching all the way back to November 2025. The Imps now need just three points from their final two matches to reach the 100-point milestone, and avoiding defeat in both would see them set a new 29-game unbeaten EFL record.
For Leicester to secure the services of the former Leicestershire PE teacher, they would need to convince a manager fresh off winning the very division they are entering to leave Lincoln just as they prepare for life in the Championship – a very tough sell.
Dave Challinor
A more plausible candidate could be Dave Challinor (16/1), who has steadily – and impressively – worked his way up from the non-league touchline, and is now pushing for a potential promotion to the Championship.
The 50-year-old has built a strong reputation for consistent success, tactical adaptability, and a remarkable track record of securing promotions, with spells at current club Stockport County – whom he has so far guided from the National League to League One – as well as Hartlepool United, AFC Fylde, and Colwyn Bay.
Challinor’s ability to deliver results while navigating the demands of the EFL calendar makes him an appealing option. He understands the division Leicester are entering and what it takes to succeed. However, while his immediate focus remains on leading Stockport’s push for the Championship, should that bid fall short, Leicester could well swoop in for his services.
Robbie Savage
Leicester City are likely to be drawing up a shortlist of experienced managers with strong EFL credentials, featuring candidates who will have the character and leadership qualities to navigate complex financial constraints and execute a full-scale rebuild.
One left-field option is the club’s cult hero Robbie Savage, out at 25/1, who has been making waves in the non-league managerial circuit. Savage dived into the dugout with Macclesfield FC in 2024, leading the club to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title, winning 40 of his 51 matches in all competitions. The 51-year-old took over at National League side Forest Green Rovers last summer and has just secured a spot in the play-off places.
A jump up two divisions would represent a significant step for Savage, but the former Foxes midfielder has a strong understanding of the club and would bring buckets of energy, passion, and commitment; qualities that have been severely lacking at the club in recent times.
Other names in the betting
Former Leicester player Alan Sheehan, who had a stint in charge of Swansea last year, is priced at 12/1.
A return for Leicester’s former Championship title-winning boss Enzo Maresca (14/1) appears somewhat remote.
Kevin Muscat, manager of Shanghai Port since 2023, is also available at 14/1, ahead of Steven Gerrard, Chris Coleman, and Dean Smith at 16/1.
