A hierarchy of footballing structure is needed in modern football clubs
At the start of the 2015–2016 season, almost every football fan and pundit predicted that Leicester City F.C. would either be fighting relegation or, at best, battling to remain in the lower half of the Premier League table. The betting odds for Leicester to win the league were famously 5000–1, and hardly anyone, not even many Leicester supporters, truly believed it was possible. One fan did, however, and his fortune changed forever.
During that remarkable season, Leicester were virtually unstoppable. They had a balanced and hardworking squad, with N’Golo Kanté and Danny Drinkwater dominating midfield, while Jamie Vardy scored goals with incredible consistency.
Against all expectations, Leicester went on to win the Premier League title. For the city of Leicester, it was a monumental achievement; an underdog story unlike anything modern football had seen. Overnight, Leicester became recognised as a world-class team, and many of their players suddenly became global stars. Kanté attracted interest from Chelsea F.C., while Riyad Mahrez became a target for Manchester City F.C..
At the time, one football fan commented: “If Leicester do not manage their football business properly, they will end up like Blackburn Rovers F.C..” Looking back, that statement proved to be very accurate.
Becoming a major club overnight ultimately contributed to Leicester’s downfall. Those running the football club appeared to believe they could suddenly compete financially with the traditional elite clubs. Leicester seemed to think they could continually sell their best players and easily replace them without damaging the squad. This approach created problems that the club struggled to manage.
Winning the league brought enormous pressure, and the club began acting as though it had permanently established itself among England’s biggest sides. As a result, player wages increased significantly, and expensive transfer fees were paid without fully considering long-term sustainability or financial compliance within the Premier League.
The tragic death of the club’s owner also had a major impact. Following this, leadership changes appeared to result in poor footballing decisions that gradually weakened the club’s structure. Several mistakes contributed to Leicester becoming a second-tier side again. One of the most damaging decisions was the decline of the club’s academy system, forcing them to rely heavily on loan players and short-term squad solutions rather than developing young talent internally.
Relegation to lower divisions should serve as a lesson that success in football is never guaranteed, and that clubs must make strategic decisions that align with their culture, identity, and financial capabilities. Leicester City can return to the top level again, but doing so will require experienced football people in leadership positions. Rebuilding the academy and investing in grassroots football within the local community will also be essential. Developing talented young players for the future could once again become the foundation for long-term success at the club.
