Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Gary Rowett as their new manager, effective immediately, the club announced Wednesday. Rowett, a former player for the Foxes, takes the helm with Leicester third from bottom in the Championship and facing a desperate fight against relegation.
The 51-year-old Rowett was taking training at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday, according to BBC Radio Leicester, signaling a swift move to inject stability into a club reeling from a points deduction and a prolonged period of poor form. He replaces Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked three weeks ago after failing to turn around the team’s fortunes.
Rowett’s arrival marks the fifth permanent managerial change for Leicester since their Championship title-winning season under Enzo Maresca in May 2024. The club’s return to the second tier has been fraught with difficulty, failing to mount a sustained promotion challenge as many predicted. The situation has been further complicated by a six-point deduction imposed after a protracted legal battle concerning breaches of spending rules.
“I’m really proud to be the new Leicester City manager and to have the opportunity to work with and lead a really talented group over the coming months,” Rowett told the club website. “It’s very clear to us all what needs to be achieved between now and the end of the season and the work begins immediately. I’m looking forward to building connections with the players, with the staff at the club and with the fans – all of which will be vital to helping us secure the results we need.”
Rowett brings a wealth of Championship experience to Leicester, having previously managed Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City, Millwall, and most recently Oxford United. His tenure at Oxford ended in December 2025 after a run of one win in ten games. Despite that recent setback, his overall record in the Championship demonstrates a manager capable of navigating the complexities of the league.
The timing of Rowett’s appointment is critical. Leicester currently sit two points adrift of safety with just 14 games remaining. Adding to the pressure, the team has lost all four matches under interim boss Andy King since Cifuentes’ departure, extending a winless run to seven games. The points deduction has significantly worsened their position, plunging them into the relegation zone.
Rowett’s connection to the club, having played for Leicester between 2000 and 2002 after joining from Birmingham City, is expected to resonate with fans. His familiarity with the East Midlands and understanding of the Championship landscape will be seen as valuable assets in the battle for survival.
The challenge facing Rowett is immense. He inherits a team struggling for form, confidence, and points, compounded by the financial constraints imposed by the points deduction. Stabilizing the squad, fostering a winning mentality, and securing crucial points in the remaining fixtures will be paramount. His immediate focus will be on addressing the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Leicester this season and finding a consistent goalscoring threat.
The appointment comes after a period of searching by Leicester City officials, with Gary Rowett and Derek McInnes emerging as potential candidates, according to reports from January 26, 2026. The club clearly prioritized experience and a proven track record in the Championship, ultimately settling on Rowett’s credentials.
Rowett’s previous managerial roles demonstrate a pattern of taking on challenging situations and attempting to build competitive teams. While his recent spell at Oxford ended prematurely, his successes at previous clubs suggest he possesses the tactical acumen and leadership qualities needed to potentially steer Leicester away from relegation. His ability to quickly assess the squad, identify key areas for improvement, and implement a clear game plan will be crucial in the coming weeks.
The next few months will be a defining period for both Gary Rowett and Leicester City. The club’s Championship status hangs in the balance, and Rowett’s ability to galvanize the team and secure positive results will determine whether they can avoid the drop and begin rebuilding for the future.
