Leicester City Man Made This Final Decision On His Future After Relegation To League One

The underdog story that once shook world football in 2016 is back in focus again but this time, for all the wrong reasons.
Back then, against all odds at 5000/1, Leicester City stunned everyone by winning the Premier League under Claudio Ranieri.

They outperformed the so-called “Big Six” and pulled off one of the most unlikely achievements the sport has ever seen. It was a season built on unity, belief, and pure fight the kind of story that felt like it could never be repeated.

Fast forward 10 years, and things couldn’t look more different.

Leicester City have now been relegated to League One after a 2-2 draw with Hull City on 22 April 2026 confirmed their fate, with two games still left in the season.
It was a painful ending to a season that never really found stability.

They went into the match needing a win to keep their survival hopes alive, and for a moment it looked possible after they battled back from a goal down to lead. But they couldn’t hold on, and Oli McBurnie’s goal eventually sealed their relegation.

From Premier League champions to third-tier football it’s a steep and emotional fall for a club that once stood at the very top of English football. Leicester will now compete in League One for only the second time in their 142-year history.

Leicester City manager Gary Rowett says the club faces “big, tough decisions” after being relegated to League One, and suggested he may not remain in charge beyond this season.

Leicester dropped into the third tier for only the second time in their history after a 2-2 draw with Hull City in a match they needed to win.

Rowett, who signed a short-term deal to manage the final 14 games of the season, made it clear that his focus is only until the end of the campaign.

Speaking about his future, he said:

“I’m not going to sit here and talk about myself in a moment like this. Anyone would want this challenge and the chance to rebuild with a proper transfer window.

But that’s not for me to worry about. I’m here until the end of the season, that was always the agreement. I’ve had no discussions beyond that. The club has to decide the direction they want to go.”

He added that the club’s leadership will need time but must act decisively:

“They won’t have complete clarity in the next week or two, but they have to be decisive about the future. Big, tough decisions need to be made to move the team in the right direction.

It’s a great club with passionate fans. You could hear that tonight. The reaction comes from disappointment because they love the club. They deserve much better than this.”

Fans made their frustration clear during and after the match, booing the players, chanting against the board, and protesting outside the stadium for over an hour after full-time.

Rowett accepted responsibility for his role in the team’s struggles:

“I understand the frustration. Fans spend their hard-earned money to support the team, and when performances fall short, they will react.

I take accountability for my part. Relegation isn’t just about the games I’ve been in charge, but we all know we should have picked up more results.

It’s been a difficult situation. Performances may have deserved more points, but we didn’t get them. I have to look at myself and accept that.”

Despite the disappointment, he believes the club can recover:

“This will hurt for a few days, but I believe this club can bounce back in a positive way.

Now, big decisions must be made in the coming weeks to make sure lessons are learned and the club moves forward.”