Foxes hold Bursaspor in feisty Austria friendly

Leicester City held an aggressive Bursaspor side to a goalless draw in their first pre-season friendly in Austria.

The first half ended with a scuffle on the edge of the Foxes' eighteen-yard box and that was typical of the manner in which Turkey's representatives in the Europa League went about this supposedly friendly fixture. It started, however, with the Green Crocodiles playing the better football, applying pressure to Leicester's back five which stood solid throughout. New signing Matt Mills led out his boyhood team on this occasion and worked well alongside a committed Sol Bamba.

Paul Konchesky's dogged determination to feed Paul Gallagher nearly paid-off on more than one occasion but, like Darius Vassell on the opposite wing, Gallagher was barely able to see a shot at goal, his only memorable effort clearing the crossbar as he lobbed the Bursaspor keeper.

The connection between Konchesky - a new signing - and Gallagher - an established senior player - will have pleased Sven Goran Eriksson as his new-look Foxes side seems to have gelled nicely, neatly demonstrated in this left-wing partnership that would, on this showing, beat any in the Championship.

Second half substitutions saw Martyn Waghorn introduced to make his mark, but his dead balls were played heavily and he was once again unable to demonstrate the form of two seasons ago when he was embraced by the Foxes' faithful.

Yuki Abe, however, was unfortunate to not grab a goal when his flicked-on header was tipped away by the Bursaspor keeper. His replacement with twenty minutes to go allowed Bursaspor more time in midfield and it was the Turkish side that came closest to scoring when, with twelve minutes remaining, a long shot from Giani Kiriţă leaving Kasper Schmeichel reeling and the Foxes' crossbar rattling.

And, despite the game fizzling-out in the dying minutes, this was a guelling run-out for a growing Leicester City team who seem able to cope with high quality opposition and easily managed an important clean sheet against the Turkish former champions, despite the opposition's rather aggressive desire.

Club owners deny Sim link

Leicester City's club owners have released a statement denying any involvement by them of Joe Sim in the purchase of the football club last year.

Sim, former advisor to the Thai FA, was linked by a Channel 4 investigation with illicit dealings over the buying of English football clubs (see previous post). In that 'Dispatches' documentary, Vichai Raksriaksorn, now chairman of the Foxes, was alleged to have met Sim in relation to the purchase of the club.

In a statement on the club website, however, Vichai and Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn deny any involvement of Sim in the takeover of Leicester City, going so far as to say that Sim had no " involvement with, or authority to comment on any subsequent Leicester City business".

There is no denial from the Raksriaksorns that they met with Sim through his role as advisor to the Thai FA, but clearly reiterated that there was no link between him and Leicester City Football Club. The statement finished:

"Leicester City Football Club and its owners are committed to absolute transparency in every aspect of its operations and activities."

The owners travelled to Sweden earlier in the week to watch their team beat Vasalunds IF on their pre-season tour and they will be looking forward to a solid Foxes' performance against Bursaspor in Austria tonight.

'Dispatches: How to Buy a Football Club': The Foxes' view

Channel 4's Dispatches has uncovered a range of dodgy deals in its past - but last night it turned its attention to football clubs.

Visiting Thailand and former Manchester United skipper Bryan Robson, Leicester City were mentioned as a target of an aggressive money-making takeover. And whilst Sheffield Wednesday and their rivals Sheffield United took the focus of the programme, it raised a number of fears that the recent takeover by Vichai and Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn could be a part of the rule-flouting London Nominees Football Fund scheme.

The scheme identifies Championship teams to be taken-over by a fund, receiving investment to quickly see the club promoted to the Premier League before the investors take a big pay-off when they sell the now-successful football club. A club like Sheffield Wednesday - with sound infrastructure, a large stadium and solid fan base - that is floundering in the lower leagues is ripe to be taken-over and turned into the top flight giant it used to be. Of course, the now-owner of Sheffield Wednesday is the former Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric. 

Owners: The Raksriaksorns were mentioned in 'Dispatches'

Joe Sim, the brains behind London Nominees Football Fund, cites his close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson as being key to his business strategy of obtaining players on loan from top flight clubs (namely Manchester United). Leicester City fans - who have seen new Thai owners invest in their football club - may be rightly concerned about allegations fingering the Raksriaksorns as being a part of this deal: Vichai Raksriaksorn apparently consulted Sim before making his purchase of Leicester City Football Club.


However, there are a number of features of the Raksriaksorn deal that does not carry the hallmarks of a London Nominees Football Fund. For one, the idea of the Football Fund is that an investor can become an anonymous club owner, something that the Raksriaksorns have avoided as they have placed themselves firmly in the limelight, seen happily supporting their new club amongst ordinary fans.

But most significantly and most reassuringly, the Raksriaksorns have invested significant amounts of money in re-branding the club with their King Power duty-free brand. King Power is now the stadium sponsor as well as the sticker to be seen on the players' shirts. The Raksriaksorns' have made Leicester City a multi-million pound, national billboard for their Asian business and their intention to take the Foxes to the Premier League will only offer that billboard to a wider, global audience. Why risk the name of a respected brand by tarnishing it in a dodgy football deal?

King Power: Vichai is using the Foxes as a billboard for his venture

So, whilst there will be concerns amongst the Leicester City fraternity, even by the mention of Thailand as being the base for the controversial dealings uncovered by Dispatches, it seems the Raksriaksorns may not be directly connected to Joe Sim's illicit venture.

If nothing else, the lack of star signings on loan to the now-King Power Stadium from the red half of Manchester may offer a small crumb of comfort.

Howard given confidence booster after Swedish display

Steve Howard has been given a timely confidence boost after his game was praised by Leicester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson after he ended the tour of Sweden with four goals to his credit.

Chuffed: Howard scored 4 in an impressive 2nd half at Vasalunds

Eriksson singled-out the Scot for praise, claiming, "If he scores four goals every game, he can go on playing, no problem."

"Howard played very well in the second half and had good support from the others," the former England manager was quoted as saying in the Leicester Mercury, "The team should be stronger this season than last season and the competition is very hard. But the ideal thing is we have two players for every position and then it is up to the players."

Competition is indeed hard in almost every position and, with two more signings expected this week, the challenge for Eriksson is in who exactly to choose as his first eleven. For now, however, the Swede has been impressed by what 35-year-old Howard has to offer.

"He just does need to go on as he does now. He has done a very good pre-season, working very hard, and he is in good shape."

Howard grabs four for rampant Foxes

Howard: Scored four in rampant performance

Steve Howard netted four times as Leicester City easily rolled-over Vasalunds IF in Solna to win the Stockholm Football Trophy and end their pre-season trip to Sweden on a high.

A more sedate pace to this game meant the Foxes were held to a 0-0 scoreline at the break, the Swedish outfit never troubling Chris Weale's goal however.

After the break the Foxes turned-up the heat, Richie Wellens winning a penalty that Howard despatched easily into the lower-right corner. Impressing once more was Yann Kermorgant, developing into a reliable ball-player in the centre of the park, whilst Jeffrey Schlupp enjoyed his second forty-five minutes in a midfield three more than as a full-back in the first half as he was able to break forward and unleash his striking pace.

Howard scored again after some neat play from Paul Konchesky and fired home from twenty yards. Leicester netted a third when the advancing Aleksandar Tunchev was pulled-back in the penalty area and Howard made no mistake in scoring to grab his hat-trick. Vasalunds beat Adam Smith, on for Weale in the second half, with a good strike on the break but that did not trouble the Foxes who managed a fourth - again from Howard - with the last kick of the match as Howard bundled the ball over the line.

Whilst Howard's goals will take the plaudits, this was, once more, a chance for the likes of Tunchev, Kermorgant and Schlupp to impress their talents upon manager Eriksson. And, despite the slower pace of this game compared to the brisk run-out against Real Mallorca, this was another impressive display from a more mixed-up Foxes eleven.

What Eriksson will now be looking forward to ahead of two tough tests to come in Austria - Leicester play 2010 Turkish Super Lig winners Bursaspor before a clash with Spanish giants Valencia on Saturday - is the chance to pick from what appears to be a deep pool of players. The Swede has competitive options in more or less every position and, with strong hints of two new signings before the week is out, the choice of who to pick in his first eleven is only going to become more difficult for the Leicester City manager.

City equal to Spanish inquisition

Draw: Gallagher tucks-home the equalising penalty

Leicester saw-off Spanish side Real Mallorca in their second pre-season friendly as they battled to a 1-1 draw with Los Bermellones in Stockholm.

Sven Goran Eriksson fielded an entirely different eleven to that which featured in the 3-1 victory over IK Sirius on Tuesday, opting to play what would appear to be more akin to a 'First XI' against the Spanish first tier outfit. Only Matt Mills was left out from the seven new signings to the Foxes squad, with Kasper Schmeichel, Lee Peltier, Sean St Ledger, Paul Konchesky, Neils Danns and David Nugent all making their first appearances.

It was, however, Mallorca who struck first with a goal from Israeli forward Tomer Hemed after a stray pass from Sol Bamba gifted Chori Castro a shooting opportunity that Schmeichel could only parry into the path of Hemed, who could not fail to give his side the lead.

The Foxes fought hard though, a determined Nugent not quite taking chances given to him by Konchesky and wing-man Darius Vassell. They were to gain their reward following a free-kick from Paul Gallagher in the second half, St Ledger bundled into by Kalu Uche and rightly awarded a penalty which Gallagher deployed in his customary cool fashion.

That Leicester failed to grab a winner will not have worried Eriksson, who once again would have been pleased to see a team complete a full ninety minutes of relatively competitive football. Indeed, the tempo with which the Foxes played was high, Gallagher breaking free to create chances on goal and the new midfield trio of Danns, Richie Wellens and skipper Andy King looking controlled and well-balanced throughout.

Eriksson will now be looking forward to his side's next fixture against Vasalunds IF, where perhaps he may be looking towards fielding a team more representative of that which could take to the field at the Ricoh Arena in three weeks' time. He will certainly be hoping that his side can put in another impressive and committed performance and take a win into the tour of Austria.

Konchesky joins Foxes on tour

Leicester City have signed defender Paul Konchesky from Liverpool for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.5 million.

On tour: Paul Konchesky joins the travelling squad in Sweden 

The left full-back spent a year at Anfield but never featured under Kenny Dalglish and, having spent his entire career in the Premier League, marks a statement of intent from the Foxes of their desire to escape the Championship this season.

The 30-year-old started his career at Charlton where he made nearly 150 appearances before moving to West Ham United after a brief loan at Tottenham Hotspur. He then moved to Fulham for a fee in excess of £3 million and went on to make nearly 100 appearances for the Cottagers before agreeing a four-year contract for a similar sum with Liverpool.

Konchesky has now joined-up with Sven Goran Eriksson's Leicester City squad in Sweden and the manager, who selected Konchesky for England during his tenure, is delighted to have signed a player of such high calibre.

"Paul has been a Premier League player year in and year out throughout his career so he represents a very big signing for us," he said, "He wanted to come to Leicester City and it means a lot that proven, established top flight footballers want to be part of what we are building here. I know Paul very well as a player and as a person and he will be a top class addition to our squad."

Foxes see off Swedish opponents in curtain-raiser

Options: Eriksson chose 2nd XI in Uppsala

Tonight marked the first opportunity for Sven Goran Eriksson to show-off his new-look Leicester City side as the Foxes kicked-off their pre-season tour of Sweden against IK Sirius in Uppsala.

But Eriksson opted to field none of his six £9 million star signings, instead handing the eleven starting places to those players with something to apparently prove to the former England manager.

First half goals from Franck Moussa and an energised Martyn Waghorn put Leicester - wearing their alternative all-yellow kit - comfortably ahead at the break. Most impressive, however, was a resurgent Yann Kermorgant. The Frenchman's keen eye for the ball and aerial presence led to his reward on the hour as he put the Foxes 3-0 in front.

Steve Howard, too, put in a solid showing commanding City's three-man front line ahead of Waghorn and Lloyd Dyer whilst Matt Oakley skippered the side from defence.

But the man of the match award was handed-out by the hosts to young Jeffrey Schlupp, the German-born Leicester City academy graduate enjoying his time filling-in as a full-back.

This was not a friendly that showcased Leicester City's first team but it must have been rewarding for Eriksson and his coaching team to see all of those players featured complete a full ninety minutes against a fully-fit Sirius side in a break from their domestic season.

Indeed the home side began to threaten Chris Weale's goal in the latter stages and were rewarded with a goal with two minutes to play, but that will not worry Eriksson who has plenty of options to choose from in what seems to be a very competitive travelling squad.

Foxes keen on Konchesky and Routledge

Leicester City are set to bid for Liverpool full-back Paul Konchesky, according to the BBC.

The former Bolton Wanderers defender - out-of-favour at Anfield and widely tipped to leave Merseyside this summer - won two caps under now-Foxes boss Sven Goran Eriksson during his reign as England coach. Konchesky has not appeared for the Reds under Kenny Dalglish and was loaned to Nottingham Forest - also tipped to be interested in securing his signature -  for three months last term.

Meanwhile, Newcastle winger Wayne Routledge is also on Eriksson's radar, the Leicester Mercury reporting that he is close to agreeing a deal that could see him arrive at the King Power Stadium within 48 hours. Like Konchesky, Routledge is believed to have been subject to a £1.5 million bid from Leicester City's Thai owners and the 26-year-old former England starlet is rumoured to have accepted terms with the Foxes ahead of Forest, Queen's Park Rangers, Cardiff City and Swansea City after being impressed by Eriksson's renaissance in the East Midlands. 

Talk on signings will have to wait for the Swede, however, as he looks forward to his side's first pre-season friendly in his native country this evening. A Leicester City XI - likely to feature two full sides over 90 minutes - will take on Swedish third-tier outfit IK Sirius at their Student Arena at 6pm BST.

Transfer record smashed: Mills pens Foxes' deal

Skipper: Mills scores at Wembley for Reading

Leicester City's transfer record has been smashed after the completion of the signing of defender Matt Mills last night.

Although officially announced as an undisclosed fee, the Foxes are believed to have paid around £5.5 million for Mills. The previous record was the £5 million paid for Ade Akinbiyi in 2000 under Peter Taylor.

Mills completed a medical last night and put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal after two successful seasons with Reading. He led-out the Royals in their Wembley play-off final just two months ago and is now a Leicester City player aiming to repeat that feat in 2012.

"Matthew is a quality defender and we are delighted to have secured his services," noted Foxes' manager Sven Goran Eriksson, "Understandably, there was a lot of interest in him, but he is the latest player to pledge his commitment to us, which is another great endorsement for the work we are doing here at Leicester City."

Meanwhile, the Foxes are chasing former England star Owen Hargreaves. The midfielder, who has two Champions' League medals to his credit, was released by Manchester United after an injury-filled time at Old Trafford and has posted a series of YouTube videos in a bid to prove his fitness. According to the Daily Mirror, Eriksson is set to meet up with his former England charge to seek a deal that would make the 30-year-old the best-paid player in the history of the club.

Reading agree fee for Mills

Leicester City have agreed a transfer fee with Reading for Royals' defender Matthew Mills.

The 24-year old is now believed to be travelling to Leicestershire to speak about personal terms with Foxes' manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

Mills has impressed many commentators during his 61-game stint at the Madejski Stadium, where he contributed with four important goals. Born in Swindon, Mills cut his cloth at Southampton and made loan appearances for Coventry City and Bournemouth, before moving to Manchester City in 2006.

Whilst at Eastlands he made just two appearances but had successful loan spells at Colchester United and Doncaster Rovers before moving to the Keepmoat Stadium on a permanent basis, making nearly 80 appearances for Rovers before joining Reading for a fee exceeding £2 million.

Bristol reject second Maynard bid

Bristol City have rejected a second bid from an 'unnamed' club for striker Nicky Maynard.

A statement on the club's website said that the offer was from "the same club who tabled a bid two weeks ago, which was also rejected".

That detail, that the offer is from the same club as previously, almost certainly confirms that it is Leicester City whose bid has been rejected for a second time, with sources close to the club hinting as such on Twitter.

"Once again we have made clear our position," said Robins' chairman Colin Sexstone, "We do not wish to sell Nicky, especially to a rival club in our division. Talks continue with Nicky and his representatives with regards to a new contract."

The Foxes have made no comment.

Progress on Masilela transfer

Pacey left-back Tsepo Masilela will travel with the Foxes on their pre-season tour of Sweden next week.

The South Africa international will join-up with his new team-mates on Sunday having agreed terms on his year-long loan deal from parent club Maccabi Haifa, according to KickOff.com.

Masilela will train with the squad and undergo a medical in Scandinavia before flying back to South Africa to complete his work permit application process.

The signing of Masilela has been on the cards for some weeks, but talk of the deal subsided as he waited for his work permit to be processed.

Nugent is first signing at King Power Stadium; Hamann departs for Hatters

David Nugent has agreed terms with Leicester City to become Sven Goran Eriksson's fifth high-profile signing of the summer.

King Power: New signing David Nugent

The striker joins on a three-year contract on a free transfer having been recently released by Portsmouth. He played for Pompey on over 75 occasions, netting 16 goals. He spent two years on loan at Burnley as struggling Pompey looked to offload the wages of their star players, netting six times in 20 starts for the Clarets. Prior to signing at Fratton Park, the Liverpool youngster made appearances for Bury and Preston North End - where he was spotted by then-England boss Steve McLaren and consequently made his first senior appearance for England, scoring against Andorra.

"David is another player who has made it very clear that he wanted to play for us, which is a pleasing sign and shows that we are moving in the right direction," said Eriksson, "He is a high calibre footballer and has played in the Premier League and at... international level for his country. David is hard-working and will score goals for us, whilst creating opportunities for others. We are very pleased to have him on board as we continue to assemble a squad fit to challenge for promotion."

The Foxes beat-off stiff competition to secure the signature of Nugent, who becomes the first player to sign a contract at the newly-named King Power Stadium. The company, owned by Foxes' Thai owners, have secured the naming rights in addition to their existing shirt sponsorship deal. Walkers will remain as a 'Legacy Partner' of the football club, with The Great Hall being renamed The Walkers Hall in a lasting deal.

Meanwhile, on what has been a busy day on Filbert Way, first team coach Didi Hamann has departed to take-up the vacant managerial role at Stockport County. The former German international was bought into Sven Goran Eriksson's leadership team in February but his time with the Foxes apparently coincided with a dip in the team's form. Hamann will be the Hatters' first manager in 105 years to lead-out his team at Edgeley Park in the non-league after they were relegated from the Football League last season.

St Ledger signs three-year deal

Leicester City have made their fourth acquisition of the summer and have signed defender Sean St Ledger from Preston North End for an undisclosed fee.

New team-mates: St Ledger in action against the Foxes' Richie Wellens last term

Capped nineteen times by the Republic of Ireland, the Birmingham-born defender made 200 appearances over four years for the Lilywhites, having joined them in 2006 after graduating through the youth ranks to the senior team at Peterborough United. Impressing at Championship level and internationally, he was ruled-out through injury for the latter half of last season, in which Preston were relegated to League One.

Sven Goran Eriksson is delighted with his new signing, stating that it was St Ledger's hunger for football that attracted him to the player.

"I am very pleased that Sean will be joining us," said the Foxes' manager, "He expressed a real desire to play for Leicester City and I believe that he will have a positive impact here at the Club. Sean is a very good defender and has proven this in league football, but also on the international stage for the Republic of Ireland."

The 26-year-old has penned a deal that will see him at the Walkers Stadium until at least 2014 and will form part of a renewed defence alongside Lee Peltier. Sources close to the club have indicated he could be joined by Reading's Matt Mills by the end of the week, whilst Tsebo Masilela will be registered as a Leicester City player once his work permit is approved.

Mackail-Smith turns-down Foxes move, joins Gulls

Transfer target Craig Mackail-Smith has been announced as a Brighton and Hove Albion player this afternoon.

Seaside?: Brighton tempted Mackail-Smith over other offers

The 27-year-old Peterborough striker was hotly tipped to be joining Leicester City after a bid from the Foxes was accepted last week. With West Ham United also submitting an offer, it seemed Mackail-Smith was sure of a starting berth at a top Championship club for the coming season.

But a last-gasp move by Brighton has seen both the Foxes and the Hammers pipped to the post. However, Leicester seem to be on the verge of a new signing with the BBC's Ian Stringer tweeting for his followers to 'stay tuned' less than an hour ago.


The Foxes are believed to have had bids accepted for Preston defender Sean St Ledger, Reading centre-half Matt Mills and Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard for a second time, whilst South African full-back Tsepo Masilela is poised to sign pending a work permit. 

2010/11 Analysed: Player-by-Player (Part Three)

In this third and final part of my player-by-player review of the season gone, we shall turn our attention to those stars of the season that have moved-on to pastures new and old...

Loanees (in the squad at the end of the season)

4. Patrick van Aanholt (Chelsea)

Van Aanholt didn't impress many despite his rapid running down the wings. What he did offer was a single, breathtaking goal to open his senior account against Burnley in what was one of the more impressive performances from the Chelsea loanee. Whether or not he will return to the East Midlands next season remains in doubt, particularly should Sven Goran Eriksson's deal with Tsebo Masilela go ahead.

5. Miguel Vitor (SL Benfica)

Vitor opened his Football League account badly, being sent off in the 6-1 drubbing by Portsmouth at Fratton Park, returning to the first team in November with a goal against Barnsley only to pull his hamstring against Ipswich before Christmas. Vitor impressed when he returned after the festive period, his commanding defensive presence belying his tender years. He would be a popular addition to the squad next year.

12. Jeffrey Bruma (Chelsea)

Joining compatriot van Aanholt from Chelsea on a deal that apparently meant he had to be included in the starting eleven, Bruma made a number of shocking defensive decisions that saw him make seven starts, all of which were in the losing team. In an apparent managerial master stroke, Eriksson moved Bruma into a holding midfield role that immediately paid-off: Bruma netted two thunderous 30-yard strikes against Watford. he is now on an extended loan at Hamburger SV.

15. Kyle Naughton (Tottenham Hotspur)

In what became the loan deal of the Championship, Naughton impressed immediately he moved to Leicester in October, making his début against Hull before scoring in only his second appearance. The England under-21 right back had a season that impressed many, scoring five times in his 35 appearances in royal blue and winning the club's Young Player of the Year award before being named as right-back in the Championship Team of the Year. Naughton would prove an incredibly popular signing either on loan or on a permanent basis, should Spurs' valuation of the promising young player not deter Eriksson from making a bid.

24. Yakubu (Everton)

A signing that split the opinions of many fans, Yakubu nonetheless did what he was bought-in to do and scored an impressive - and important - eleven goals in his 20 Foxes' appearances. Critics of his 'lazy' style make their voices heard above others, but the Yak's impressive statistics - including a hat-trick against his former club, Middlesbrough - speak for themselves. He is unlikely to return to the Walkers Stadium as his wage demands are believed to be excessive.

36. Ben Mee (Manchester City)

Another Premier League youngster who impressed in defence was Mee, who carved a name for himself at left-back as well as his preferred berth at centre-half. Arriving in January, Mee's début was not one that credited his true potential and he immediately built upon that poor performance with more impressive appearances later in the month. Now back at Manchester City, Mee would make himself very popular with a return to Leicester next season.

39. Diomansy Kamara (Fulham)

Kamara arrived late in the season to provide quality support for Yakubu and he impressed with his style and flair, scoring twice in his seven Foxes' appearances. Now a free agent having left Craven Cottage, he has not be spoken of in the local press and, it seems, he will not be wearing royal blue next season.

Loanees (left the club prior to the end of the season)

Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers

Ikeme made four appearances for Leicester having signed as an emergency loanee as cover for the injured Chris Weale. Failing to impress, he departed after the arrival of Chris Kirkland and now warms the Wolves' bench.

Curtis Davies (Aston Villa)

Davies moved amidst some excitement from Aston Villa and immediately impressed with solid defensive performances. Making few mistakes, he extended his stay to January and looked set to sign a permanent deal, only to snub the Foxes and join Birmingham City for Premier League football. That ended well.

Greg Cunningham (Manchester City)

Immediately popular, Cunningham's work ethic made him a firm favourite after he joined the club in October. He made twelve impressive appearances before a reckless challenge from Hull City's Liam Rosenior on New Years' Day broke the leg of the young defender, who is now fully recovered and enjoying pre-season with his parent club.

Roman Bednar (West Bromwich Albion)

Unlike Yakubu and his similarly 'lazy' style of play, Bednar failed to deliver the goods during his two months at the Walkers Stadium. Arriving in November to some criticism, Bednar made just five appearances before quietly returning to West Bromwich Albion at the start of January.

Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic)

A dream move for the boy who grew up in Barwell, Kirkland indeed made his boyhood dreams come true when he walked out at Portman Road to play for the Foxes against Ipswich in December. Unfortunately his dreams ended that day as he let-in three goals and he returned to Wigan after making just three appearances due to his recurring back injury.

Danny Uchechi (FC Dender)

Uchechi was never given a squad number and consequently made no appearances for Leicester, despite scoring in a January behind-closed-doors friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes. He's now training for pre-season with Aberdeen.


Released
Michael Lamey
The likeable Dutchman made just four appearances for the Foxes despite signing a three-year deal with Paulo Sousa at the start of the season. Released having not made a single appearance under Eriksson, he is now preparing for the new season in Poland with Wisla Krakow.


Ricardo
Having trained with the squad it was only natural that the former Portugal international be added to the playing roster. What was not known at that time was that he would usurp Chris Weale's position as Number One, destroy the Bristolian's confidence and make goalkeeping a crisis area for the last three months of the season. Ricardo's contract was understandably not renewed.


Aman Verma
Never quite making the cut, Verma returned to Leicester as a trialist in 2008 - he was released as a youth player and carved a career in the non-league before that. Consistently on loan, Verma has made no competitive appearances for the senior team and as such his contract was allowed to lapse and he is once again free to explore the lower leagues.


Craig King
King at least made it into the team under Nigel Pearson when he warmed a seat in a Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Hartlepool United before replacing Steve Howard in the second half of the following round against Lincoln City. That did not, however, deliver the breakthrough he was looking for and after loans at Hereford United and Northampton Town he has now signed a deal with AFC Telford United.


Luke O'Neill
Another youth product to have been released, O'Neill made his début against Hartlepool in that JPT fixture and warmed the bench in the opening game of the following season against Swansea. He played 90 minutes against Macclesfield in the 2-0 League Cup victory before making his first senior league appearance when he came on for an injured Jack Hobbs on Boxing Day. He was loaned-out to Tranmere Rovers in Feburary 2010, joined Kettering on a six-month deal in January 2011 and his contract at the Walkers Stadium lapsed last month. He's now enjoying pre-season training having signed a deal with Mansfield Town.


Ashley Chambers

Now at York City where he spent the last season on loan.

Nathan Hicks, Jorrin John, Ben Milnes, Robert Ambrusics, Adi Yussuf
All youth players who impressed at that level but whose professional contracts ended last month.

Leicester 'close' to Mackail-Smith deal

Leicester City are 'close' to signing Peterborough United striker Craig Mackail-Smith, according to the Posh chairman.

Darragh MacAnthony revealed that despite bids from Queen's Park Rangers, Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion, only the Foxes' bid was accepted and the player was set to meet with Sven Goran Eriksson yesterday.

"I would expect him to sign for Leicester on Friday," MacAnthony told the BBC, ""I presume if Sven gets on with Craig he'll be a Leicester City player on Friday."

There has been no word yet from either club to confirm that Mackail-Smith, 27, has penned a deal at the Walkers Stadium.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing Foxes' winger Lloyd Dyer. The 28-year-old was bought to the Walkers Stadium on instruction from then-Chairman Milan Mandaric, now at Hillsborough, who is again chasing the pacey left-sided player.

Foxes will be all white on the road

All white: Andy King models the new kit

Leicester City will take to the field in a brand new all-white away kit for the 2011/12 season.

It marks a return to the Foxes' traditional away colours after a break of a decade, with a white strip last being worn for the sorry 2001/02 season in which the club were relegated from the Premier League under Peter Taylor and, later, Dave Bassett and Micky Adams.

In essence, the new away kit it a mirror of the home kit released in May, with a blue 'Manchester United'-style collar and piping around the ends of the sleeves. It shares the same white shorts, although kit manufacturers Burrda have also produced blue shorts should they be required for kit clashes with either the home or away kit.

The Foxes old away strip, the all-yellow kit worn last season, will now cascade down to be used as a third, alternate kit for the season ahead.

The new white away kit is available for pre-order from lcfcdirect.com and the Walkers Stadium Megastore.

Hobbs completes permanent deal with Tigers

Jack Hobbs has, an anticipated, completed a three-year permanent deal to move to Hull City.

The Liverpool-born defender joined former Foxes' boss Nigel Pearson on a three-month loan last season and Pearson's desire to capture the 22-year-old led to his signing for the Tigers for an undisclosed fee last night.

Hobbs made 130 appearances for Leicester City after being signed on loan by Pearson in 2008. After a highly successful season, Hobbs signed a three-year contract at the Walkers Stadium but became unhappy after losing his first team place in Sven Goran Eriksson's side and made the switch to the KC Stadium in January.

2010/11 Analysed: Player-by-Player (Part Two)

Permenant Squad
13. Conrad Logan
As the Foxes' longest-serving player, Logan has an odd affection afforded to him by Leicester City's fans. However, his inability to secure a first team place - and subsequent numerous loan deals, this year to Bristol Rovers - has seen him consistently at the bottom of the goalkeepers' pecking-order at the Walkers Stadium. Expect more of the same next season, and a cameo appearance if we're very lucky.

14. Martyn Waghorn
A favourite amongst the Foxes' faithful, Waghorn was purchased for £3 million as a failing Paulo Sousa tried to win over those same supporters. That failed for the Portuguese manager and, so far, for the bright young striker. Waghorn failed to make an impact in 2010/11, only serving as a bit=part player under Sven Goran Eriksson. It seems his time as a star in royal blue is fading.

15. Bruno Berner
It seemed that Berner was set for another cracking season as a reliable and skilful left back. But the arrivals of Greg Cunningham, Patrick van Aanholt and Ben Mee put paid to his first team place. On more than one occasion it seemed he was on his way to pastures new but, ever the professional, he opted to stay at the Walkers Stadium and fight for his place. Hopefully he will continue to do so in 2011/12.

17. Dany N'Guessan
Considering his bright start under Nigel Pearson it seems strange that N'Guessan has scored only three times in his 31 appearances for Leicester City. Still only 23, the Frenchman has been absent for the entire season as he shipped-out on loan first to Scunthorpe before moving to Southampton in January. With Eriksson apparantly unimpressed, it is likely that N'Guessan will spend 2011/12 similarly on loan.

18. Tom Kennedy
The move for the left back was made early last summer and, despite being available from the start of the season, Kennedy made just one single appearance in a Leicester City shirt. Successful loan spells at Rochdale - his former club - and Peterborough United followed and it looks almost certain that Kennedy will be leaving the Walkers Stadium, possibly for London Road, this summer.

19. Richie Wellens
An ever-present in the first team, Wellens was once again the beating heart of the Leicester City midfield. Deservedly, Wellens won the club's Player of the Year award in May, beating-off stiff competition from the likes of Andy King with whom he has made the Foxes' midfield on of the best in the league. Wellens is set to make 2011/12 another cracking season.

22. Yuki Abe
Moving to a new country, a new city and a new club must have been a daunting prospect for the popular Japanese midfielder, but Abe has made the transition and put in consistently solid performances throughout the season. Making 40 appearances through the season, he has the consistency but needs to prove he has the talent to compete with any new midfield signings next season.

23. Franck Moussa
Making the step-up from League Two, Moussa's potential was clear as he was signed by Sousa in August. In his eight Foxes appearances Moussa did demonstrate flashes of his talent and socred in the 3-1 league victory over Scunthorpe United. He moved to Doncaster Rovers as an emergency loanee in January and made a modest success of himself, making twelve appearances and netting twice.

25. Jack Hobbs
Hobbs did not make an appearance in royal blue throughout the season, his loan deal to Hull City agreed in the summer as he followed Nigel Pearson to the KC Stadium. His future remains unclear: remain at the KC Stadium to play a small role as part of the Tigers' play-off ambitions, or return to the Walkers Stadium and play a key role in Sven Goran Eriksson's renaissance? The choice is his.

26. Tom Parkes
Yet to make a first team appearance, Parkes consolidated his recent Football League experience with Yeovil Town and Burton Albion and will be looking for a regular first team berth on loan again next season.

29. Liam Moore
The England under-17s starlet will be hoping to make his mark on the first team next year, having been handed a squad number for the first time in 2010. The defender is unlikely to take to the field in the Foxes's first XI but could make appearances on loan in the lower leagues.

31. Jeffrey Schlupp
The young German/Ghanaian striker is the hottest talent in the Foxes' academy at present. Like Tom Parkes and Liam Moore, Schlupp was given his first Leicester City squad number in 2010 and he was rewarded with an astonishing six goals in just nine appearances (two goals in every three games - better than any England international) during a loan spell at Brentford. Expect Schlupp to emerge into the Leicester City first team next season. He is certainly one to watch.

33. Leon Crncic
The Serbian forward was signed-up by Paulo Sousa after impressing on trial during the summer. But for appearances in pre-season friendlies, Crncic has nothing to show for his three-year contract. Absent from the first team and failing to make a loan deal, his future remains somewhat clouded.

34. Sol Bamba
Signed in January, the friendly Ivorian defender with an odd Scottish/French accent became a Leicester City hero after he scored three goals in his first two appearances - the first with his first touch of the ball in English football against Manchester City in the FA Cup. Signed by former Ivory Coast manager Eriksson, under whom he played at the 2010 World Cup, Bamba is set to play a key role at the heart of the Foxes defence next season.

37. Darius Vassell
Another man who Eriksson coached at international level, Vassell signed as the Swede's first aquisition at the Walkers Stadium. Becoming a first team regular, the English striker contributed two goals throughout the season and will hope to build on that tally next term. His position, however, remains unclear as Eriksson looks to strengthen his promotion-chasing squad.

40. Adam Smith
The likable young goalkeeper made the step up to the bench as he stood-in as third choice goalkeeper, with Conrad Logan on loan and either Chris Weale or Ricardo not selected. Smith could once again see himself warming the bench next season but will most likely be seen gaining experience in a lower league.

Yann Kermorgant
The Frenchman every Leicester City fan wants to forget remains on the club's books and remains a Foxes' player. He returned to France soon after his penalty miss put the Foxes out of the 2009/10 play-offs and made 26 appearances for AC Arles Avignon, scoring three goals. It seems highly unlikely that he will figure in Sven Goran Eriksson's plans.

Cian Bolger
The 19-year-old remains without a squad number at his parent club, but was allowed out on loan and made six appearances for Bristol Rovers in 2011 - scoring an own goal and being sent-off in consecutive games.

Schmeichel pens 3-year deal

Leicester City have agreed terms with Kasper Schmeichel in a three-year deal believed to worth far in excess of a million pounds.

Schmeichel makes his move amid some controversy. A bid for the 24-year-old goalkeeper was accepted by Leeds United last week but a tweet posted on the Dane's account appeared to scupper any deal. Yesterday, Schmeichel revealed in a video that his account was hacked and that he was open to a move, before a press unveiling at the Walkers Stadium confirmed his signing for the Foxes this afternoon.

Undisclosed: Fee for Kasper Schmeichel is at least £1 million

Schmeichel will be linking-up once more with Sven Goran Eriksson, under whom he has played at both Manchester City and Notts County, with the Swede keen to see the son of former Manchester United keeper Peter flourish under his tutelage.

"Sven knows Kasper extremely well," said Leicester City's Football Director Andrew Neville, "He regards him very highly so we are delighted to have brought him to the Club. He has already made a big impression both domestically and internationally and is another player at a good age for our long-term objectives."

The Dane is indeed likely to have an impact on the Foxes' first team, his signature sure to be at a cost to current number one Chris Weale, who is now likely to see his options in the East Midlands become limited after some shaky performances towards the end of the season.

Foxes secure Danns' signature

Midfielder maestro: Danns' Palace contract ends

Leicester City have secured the services of Neil Danns from Crystal Palace on a free transfer, fending-off Scottish champions Rangers in the process.

The 28-year-old has been at Selhurst Park for three seasons in which he has acted as the lynchpin of the Palace midfield, making over 100 appearances for the Eagles.

With his contract due to expire at the end of June, he will make his first media appearance as a Leicester City player on Friday.

Danns took in spells at Blackpool and Hartlepool United on loan from Blackburn before he made his name at Colchester United. The talented midfielder then moved to Birmingham City for £500,000 in 2006, taking-in two seasons at St Andrew's before signing a three-year deal with Palace in 2008. Now, Danns has signed a three-year contract with the Premier League-chasing Foxes and looks set to play a key part in their promotion campaign.

Leicester close to signing Mackail-Smith

Peterborough United have accepted an undisclosed bid from Leicester City for striker Craig Mackail-Smith.

Posh chairman Barry Fry confirmed an offer had been made and that the offer of a potential move is now on the plate for the striker.

"We have accepted a bid from Leicester," said Fry, "Their manager Sven-Goran-Eriksson is out of the country at the moment, but was due to speak to Craig over the weekend."

Fry also confirmed that Mackail-Smith, 27, turned-down the opportunity to move to Premier League newcomers Norwich City and QPR, whilst Posh have dismissed an offer from relegated West Ham United.

"I have had several conversations with West Ham," said Fry, "But we have turned down their bid. I am certain they will be back. Craig is facing a tough decision. He turned down Norwich and he has now turned down QPR."

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail have confirmed the capture of Tsepo Masilela on a year-long loan from Maccabi Haifa, with a view to a potential €2 million permenant transfer. The club are yet to comment.

Israeli press links Foxes with South African defender

Lively: Left-back Tsepo Masilela

Fresh rumours have surfaced about the prospect of South African international Tsepo Masilela joining Leicester City.

It seems that, with Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa keen to push the price of the pacey left full-back beyond £2 million, the only option for Sven Goran Eriksson is to sign the Bafana Bafana defender on a short-term deal.

According to the Israeli press, the 26-year-old has signed a two-year extension to his contract with Haifa. However, he will not travel with his teammates to their pre-season tour in Austria this week and is close to signing on loan at the Walkers Stadium until the end of the season.

Masilela made his name at the former Benoni Premier United in his native South Africa before moving to Israel in 2007. He has since made 97 league appearances for Haifa, helping them to the Israeli Championship and UEFA Champions' League qualification. Since 2006 he has made 32 appearances for his country, including appearances in the African Cup of Nations and last summer's World Cup.

The transfer of Masilela now hinges on his obtaining a work permit to allow him to make the move from Israel to work in the UK. According to the player's agent, all the relevant paperwork has been submitted and it is now up to the authorities to allow Masilela to travel to the East Midlands for his medical.

Edited 27/06/2011 20:06

City submit offer for Korean striker

Sven Goran Eriksson has made a move to try and lure North Korean striker Chong Tese to the Walkers Stadium.

Chong - whose name follows Far Eastern naming conventions and is also Anglicised as Jong Tae-Se - currently plies his trade at Bundesliga.2 outfit VfL Bochum and, according to Nikkan Sports, Leicester City have made a bid of approximately €700,000 for the player.

The 27-year-old - nicknamed 'The People's Rooney' in his native North Korea - played for four years at Kawasaki Frontale and scored an impressive 47 times in 112 appearances and, after a trial with Blackburn Rovers, he moved to Germany last season where he scored 10 goals in 25 games. However, he was hampered by injury last season and is currently in Japan having undergone knee surgery last week.

Born in Japan to South Korean parents, Chong controversially obtained a North Korean passport directly from that state's embassy in Tokyo. The South Korean government's rules do not allow a citizen to hold dual citizenship with North Korea, a state not recognised in South Korean law.

VfL Bochum have rejected Leicester's bid for Chong, their president stating that they dismissed the Foxes' offer as being under their valuation of the striker. Negotiations continue.

Edited 25/06/2011 23:38

Peltier to be unveiled as Foxes player Wednesday

Quick: New signing Lee Peltier

Leicester City have agreed terms with the club's first signing of the 2011 summer transfer window.

Exciting full-back Lee Peltier has joined the Foxes on a three-year deal for an undisclosed sum. The 24-year-old, who plays on the right wing, will be registered as a Leicester City player tomorrow morning after the club agreed his transfer with Huddersfield Town yesterday, for an undisclosed fee.

Peltier has lit-up League One after two impressive seasons with the Terriers, his dynamic skill and pace marking him out as a hot prospect for the future. The full-back began his career as a graduate of Liverpool's academy before spells at Hull City and Yeovil Town. Moving to the Galpharm Stadium eighteen months ago, Peltier picked-up the club's Player's Player of the Year award last season and again impressed this term - enough for Sven Goran Eriksson to bid a reported £750,000 for the Englishman.

Bristol reject bid for Maynard

Hot property: Foxes bid £3m for Maynard

Bristol City have rejected a bid from Leicester City for striker Nicky Maynard.

The 24-year-old is rumoured to have been courted by the Foxes as well as by Nottingham Forest and Southampton, with just a year remaining on his contract at Ashton Gate. But Robins' manager Keith Millen believes the former Crewe Alexandra striker - signed by Bristol from Alex in 2008 for £2.25 million - is too valuable as an asset to the club.

"Nicky is part of the team and squad I want to build for next season. The speculation has certainly heated up but he's back from holiday next week and I'll be looking to speak with him. Our stance is we still want him to sign a new contract, the board are strong and sticking to that."

Sven Goran Eriksson's Foxes are rumoured to have bid over £3 million for Maynard, scorer of 37 goals in his 98 appearances for Bristol.

Schmeichel bid accepted by Leeds

Leeds United have accepted an offer from Leicester City for goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The 24-year-old Dane is just to agree terms with the Foxes before he is unveiled as the club's new goalkeeper.

United's boss, Simon Grayson, said that he pleased with the deal.

"We feel this is the right deal for the club. We spoke to Kasper's agent at the end of the season about a contract extension and it was apparent that it was going to be difficult to agree a deal. Given the fact he has one year remaining on his contract we feel this is in the best interests of Leeds United."

Schmeichel - son of former Manchester United and Denmark keeper Peter - started his professional career with Manchester City, making loan appearances for Darlington, Bury, Falkirk, Cardiff and Coventry before moving on to Notts County then Leeds United for a successful season: he kept 9 clean sheets in 37 appearances for the Lilywhites in the Championship last season.

The Dane has, however, revealed via his Twitter account that he is not yet ready to sign a deal with any club. In his statement he reiterated that he is yet to sign a deal to move away from Elland Road.

"I want to put on record that I have never asked to leave the Leeds United, nor did I reject an offer for a new contract, since one was never put to me. I was enjoying being a Leeds United player and was looking forward to winning promotion this season with the club.

"I have spoken to the manager Simon Grayson and he has made it clear to me, that, in spite of having played well for him, this is something he believes is a good deal for Leeds United. I have been put in a very difficult situation and will spend some time considering my options for my future."

The deal seems now to be on hold pending that decision from Schmeichel.

Edited 21/06/2011 16:56

2010/11 Analysed: Player-by-Player (Part One)

Given that these not-so-sunny late Spring days have yet to yield the glut of signings anticipated by many Foxes, it seems fitting to fill this void not with rampant speculation about imminent appointments (it's David Nugent tomorrow, apparently) but with a player-by-player look back at a turbulent season past down Filbert Way and view forward to what we all hope will be a successful 2011/12 campaign.

Permanent Squad
1. Chris Weale
It was a season of mixed emotion for Weale, whose goalkeeping suffered in confidence as his position remained unsecure throughout the season. Latterly, Ricardo made a number of appearances in goal as Sven Goran Eriksson favoured him to the Bristolian who will be hoping that a new goalkeeper is not one of the Swede's priorities for the summer transfer window if he is to re-stake his claim to the number one jersey.

2. Robbie Neilson
The Scottish defender made few appearances over the course of the season and failed to establish himself as the favoured right-back after successive loan players made the position their own. Neilson grabbed his first - and only - goal in royal blue in the League Cup against Macclesfield Town, but poor performances led to his being told to find a new club at the end of the year.

3. Aleksandar Tunchev

The popular Bulgarian received a rapturous ovation as he made his first appearance in nearly eighteen months against Watford in April, before successfully completing an hour in the Foxes final game of the season, against Ipswich Town. Tunchev will hope that he remains fit enough to be a part of Eriksson's plans for 2011/12, with fans wishing once more to see him back on form as he was before his knee injury struck in January 2009.

6. Moreno Teixeira

Signed by Paulo Sousa in August last year, Moreno hoped to become a regular in the Portuguese manager's new vision in the East Midlands, but only made three appearances in a season where he became largely forgotten. In signing a three-year contract he remains on the club's books and, who knows, he may yet become a first-team regular as he was in Portugal this time last year. That, however, looks doubtful.

7. Paul Gallagher

Consolidating a great first season with the Foxes, Gallagher became the club's best-scoring striker with his reliable penalty-taking and impressive free-kick abilities. The Scot - still only 26 - will be a lynch pin of Eriksson's play-off ambitions (the Swede has likened his ability to that of David Beckham) and with a new four-year contract signed he is in for the long-haul.

8. Matt Oakley

Oakley received much criticism from the Foxes' faithful throughout the 2010/11 campaign, with many arguing that his selection was a bizarre choice given the quality of other players in the squad. Oakley, however, hit back with impressive performances towards the end of the season and - despite having retired the captaincy - remains an important presence in the dressing room, as he will do into next season and beyond.

9. Steve Howard

The likeable Scot remained in and around the Foxes' camp all season despite his being linked with a number of loan deals and performed a valuable role in using his aerial ability and strength to cause numerous problems for defenders. Howard has been again linked with moves away from the Walkers Stadium, with Sheffield Wednesday supposedly interested. Should Howard leave, he will be remembered warmly by Leicester fans.

10. Andy King

Captain Fantastic struck more goals than any other player to take the club's golden boot and yet some fans were still critical of his apparently 'anonymous' performances. King had his off days - as every team member does from time to time - but overall this was season where the young Welshman came of age. Regularly scoring, leading from the front and establishing himself at international level last year, the only way now is up.

11. Lloyd Dyer

A faltering year for the fast-paced winger who saw competition for his place from the likes of Darius Vassell. He contributed fewer goals than in the past two seasons, netting just three times in the league, but made valuable contributions in the FA and League Cups. Dyer's future remains in the East Midlands but his position as first in line to the left wing slot remains under threat.

Leicester kick-off against Coventry

Leicester City's 2011/12 Football League Championship campaign will begin at Coventry City's Ricoh Arena.

The Foxes will play their local rivals in an early lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, 6th August, making that fixture the curtain-raiser to the new football season.

In an early test for Sven Goran Eriksson's men, the first home fixture of the new term will be against Reading the following week. It will be a busy opening month to the new season, with a trip to East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and home ties against Bristol City and a returning Southampton.

The festive relationship with the Foxes and Ipswich Town continues with the Tractor Boys chugging to the Walkers Stadium on Boxing Day, with Portsmouth making a long journey north on New Year's Eve. The season will end with a tricky double-header, with the relegated West Ham United visiting the East Midlands on 21st April before the Foxes' season closes a week later, with a trip to Leeds United's Elland Road.

2011/12 Fixtures in Full

August 2011
Sat 6 - Coventry City (a)
Sat 13 - Reading (h)
Tue 16 - Bristol City (h)
Sat 20 - Nottm Forest (a)
Sat 27 - Southampton (h)

September
Sat 10 - Barnsley (a)
Sat 17 - Brighton & Hove Albion (h)
Sat 24 - Cardiff City (a)
Tue 27 - Middlesbrough (a)

October
Sat 1 - Derby County (h)
Sat 15 - Birmingham City (a)
Tue 18 - Watford (h)
Sat 22 - Millwall (h)
Sat 29 - West Ham United (a)

November
Tue 1 - Burnley (a)
Sat 5 - Leeds United (h)
Sat 19 - Crystal Palace (h)
Sat 26 - Portsmouth (a)
Tue 29 - Blackpool (h)

December
Sat 3 - Hull City (a)
Sat 10 - Peterborough United (h)
Sat 17 - Doncaster Rovers (a)
Mon 26 - Ipswich Town (h)
Sat 31 - Portsmouth (h)

January 2012
Mon 2 - Crystal Palace (a)
Sat 14 - Barnsley (h)
Sat 21 - Southampton (a)
Tue 31 - Middlesbrough (h)

February
Sat 4 - Brighton & Hove Albion (a)
Sat 11 - Cardiff City (h)
Tue 14 - Watford (a)
Sat 18 - Birmingham City (h)
Sat 25 - Derby County (a)

March
Sat 3 - Coventry City (h)
Tue 6 - Bristol City (a)
Sat 10 - Reading (a)
Sat 17 - Nottm Forest (h)
Tue 20 - Blackpool (a)
Sat 24 - Hull City (h)
Sat 31 - Peterborough United (a)

April
Sat 7 - Doncaster Rovers (h)
Mon 9 - Ipswich Town (a)
Sat 14 - Millwall (a)
Tue 17 - Burnley (h)
Sat 21 - West Ham United (h)
Sat 28 - Leeds United (a)

All fixtures are subject to change, with television fixtures yet to be announced.

Foxes first fixture announced

The first competitive fixture for Leicester City's 2011/12 season has been announced, one day prior to the full league fixtures being released.

The Foxes will travel to Rotherham's Don Valley Stadium for the first round of next season's Carling Cup, with the game set to take place on the weekend of 8th August.

The draw - highlights of which include Notts County facing rivals Forest and Leeds United being paired with Bradford - will have whet the appetite of Football League fans across the country, ready for tomorrow's league fixtures announcement.

Lamey departs

Moving on: Michael Lamey made just seven Foxes appearances

Foxes' defender Michael Lamey has left the club by mutual consent having agreed a deal with Polish outfit Wisla Krakow.

Lamey, 31, was signed by ex-manager Paulo Sousa after he impressed during a trial spell. Lamey went on to make seven appearances under Sousa, but failed to make an impact after Sven Goran Eriksson was appointed in October last year.

Lamey has now terminated his contract with Leicester City and is set to be announced as a Wisla Krakow player within the next few days. 

Yakubu "close" to Foxes deal

Yakubu is close to signing a permanent deal at the Walkers Stadium, according to the BBC's Ian Stringer.

The striker made a success of his loan spell with Leicester City in the latter half of last season, scoring eleven goals in his twenty league appearances. And, despite fans' criticism of his supposedly 'lazy' style, he would prove a popular addition to Sven Goran Eriksson's squad.

Stringer understands that, despite newspaper rumours to the contrary, a deal has not yet been completed and deal is yet to be finalized due to delays at his current club, Everton.

It is, however, believed Yakubu will sign for Leicester City within the next week.

New management team announced

The replacement for Lee Hoos, who left Leicester City Football Club last week, has been announced as Susan Whelan.

Miss Whelan will take Hoos' role as Chief Executive Officer having joined the Foxes' board in December following the take-over of the club by Vichai Raksriaksorn at the end of 2010. Whelan is connected to Raksriaksorn through his King Power empire, of which she is Senior Executive Vice-President.

Also joining the club is Simon Capper, replacing Mark Johnson as Finance Director. Capper has a background in accounting and previously fulfilled a similar role over three years at Sheffield United.

With these off-field appointments now in place, Foxes' fans will be hoping to see Sven Goran Eriksson begin to rebuild his depleted squad. The only movement so far this summer has seen ten players leave the Walkers Stadium, despite rumours strongly linking a number of players to the football club.