
A History of Leicester City Football Club
Share
A History of Leicester City Football Club
Leicester City Football Club, "The Foxes," has a rich history filled with dramatic highs, testing lows, and moments that have defied footballing expectations. From their formation in the late 19th century to their Premier League triumph in 2016, Leicester City's journey encapsulates the spirit of English football. Here is a detailed account of their remarkable story.
Formation and Early Years (1884-1920)
Leicester City FC was established in 1884 as Leicester Fosse, a name derived from the Roman road Fosse Way, which runs through the city. The club initially played in various local leagues before joining the Football League in 1894. Their early years were spent in the lower divisions, and they moved to Filbert Street in 1891, a ground that would serve as their home for over a century.
In their early decades, Leicester Fosse struggled to achieve consistent success, often fluctuating between divisions. Their biggest pre-World War I achievement came in the 1907-08 season when they finished second in the Second Division, earning promotion to the First Division for the first time. However, relegation quickly followed, reflecting the challenges of competing at the top level.
The outbreak of World War I disrupted football across the country, and Leicester Fosse disbanded temporarily. When football resumed, the club rebranded as Leicester City in 1919, following the city’s elevation to official city status. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history.
Interwar Successes and Challenges (1920-1949)
The 1920s and 1930s brought mixed fortunes. Under the guidance of manager Peter Hodge, Leicester City enjoyed their best-ever league campaign in 1928-29, finishing as runners-up in the First Division behind Sheffield Wednesday. Legendary striker Arthur Chandler was pivotal during this period, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 273 goals in 419 appearances.
Despite moments of promise, the interwar years were marked by inconsistency. The club faced relegation from the First Division on multiple occasions and spent significant periods in the Second Division. The onset of World War II once again disrupted football, and Leicester City resumed competitive play in 1946 with a focus on rebuilding.
Post-War Period and the Bloomfield Era (1949-1971)
In the post-war period, Leicester City established themselves as a competitive side in the English leagues. The 1948-49 season saw the Foxes reach their first FA Cup final, though they were defeated 3-1 by Wolverhampton Wanderers. This period also saw the rise of influential figures like Johnny Duncan and Derek Hines.
The appointment of Matt Gillies as manager in 1958 marked the start of a successful era. Leicester reached three FA Cup finals in the 1960s (1961, 1963, and 1969), though they fell short each time. In 1964, they won the League Cup, securing their first major trophy. Gillies’ innovative tactics and the performances of players like Gordon Banks, Peter Shilton, and Frank McLintock solidified Leicester’s reputation as a formidable team.
Decline and Revival (1970s-1990s)
The 1970s and 1980s were challenging decades for Leicester City. Relegation to the Second Division became a recurring theme, and financial difficulties added to the club’s woes. However, moments of promise emerged, such as their promotion to the First Division in 1980 under Jock Wallace and the emergence of talented players like Gary Lineker, who would go on to become one of England’s greatest strikers.
By the early 1990s, Leicester City were struggling in the Second Division. The appointment of Brian Little as manager in 1991 marked the beginning of a revival. Under Little, Leicester reached the playoff finals in 1992 and 1993 but fell short on both occasions. In 1994, however, they triumphed in the playoffs, securing promotion to the Premier League.
The Premier League era brought both excitement and challenges. Leicester’s first stint in the top flight was brief, as they were relegated in 1995. However, the arrival of Martin O’Neill as manager in 1995 heralded a golden period. Under O’Neill, Leicester achieved four consecutive top-ten finishes in the Premier League and won two League Cups in 1997 and 2000. This era also saw the club compete in European competitions for the first time.
Financial Struggles and New Beginnings (2000-2010)
The early 2000s were marked by financial turmoil. Leicester City moved from Filbert Street to the new Walkers Stadium in 2002, but the costs of relocation, coupled with relegation from the Premier League, pushed the club into administration later that year. A consortium led by former player Gary Lineker helped rescue the club, allowing them to continue competing.
Despite off-field struggles, Leicester City experienced on-field success under the management of Micky Adams, earning promotion to the Premier League in 2003. However, their return to the top flight was short-lived, and they faced relegation again in 2004. The following years were spent in the Championship, and in 2008, Leicester suffered their first-ever relegation to League One. They immediately bounced back under Nigel Pearson, winning the League One title in 2009.
The Road to Glory (2010-2016)
The 2010s marked a period of transformation for Leicester City. Thai owners King Power International Group, led by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, took over the club in 2010, bringing stability and ambition. Under Nigel Pearson’s guidance, Leicester achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2014 after winning the Championship title.
Leicester’s return to the Premier League in 2014-15 was dramatic. They spent much of the season battling relegation but staged a remarkable escape, winning seven of their last nine games to survive. This "Great Escape" set the stage for an unprecedented season in 2015-16.
Under new manager Claudio Ranieri, Leicester City achieved the unthinkable, winning the Premier League title in 2016. Against odds of 5,000-1, the Foxes defied the footballing hierarchy with a combination of tactical discipline, team spirit, and standout performances from players like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kanté. The achievement is widely regarded as one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history.
Post-Title Years and Continued Success (2016-Present)
Following their title win, Leicester City faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Ranieri departed in 2017, and a series of managerial changes ensued. However, the club continued to compete at a high level, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2017 under Craig Shakespeare.
The tragic death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash in 2018 deeply affected the club and its supporters. Vichai’s contributions to Leicester’s success and his philanthropy earned him enduring admiration.
Under Brendan Rodgers, appointed in 2019, Leicester City embarked on a new chapter of success. The team consistently competed for European qualification and won the FA Cup for the first time in their history in 2021, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final. This victory, coupled with a Community Shield win, reaffirmed Leicester’s status as a club capable of competing with the best.
Leicester City’s history is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of football. From their early struggles as Leicester Fosse to their historic Premier League triumph and FA Cup victory, the Foxes have consistently defied expectations. As they continue to evolve, Leicester City remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for football fans around the world, proving that anything is possible in the beautiful game.
Become an expert on Leicester city fc with our Leicester city timeline.