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Tag: Leicester City

  • Leicester docked six points for breaching spending rules

    Leicester docked six points for breaching spending rules

    Leicester City have been docked six points in the current Championship campaign after an independent regulatory commission found they had breached the English Football League’s spending rules, the Premier League said on Thursday.

    The deduction leaves Leicester 20th in the second-tier table, above the relegation zone on goal difference.

    The Premier League referred Leicester to an independent commission in May over the alleged breach of EFL profitability and sustainability rules in the three years up to 2023-24. A week-long hearing took place in November.

    Read Also: Osimhen-Lookman Row: NFF  dismisses ruckus in Super  Eagles’ camp

    “The commission … determined that the club had breached the relevant (profitability and sustainability) threshold by 20.8 million pounds ($28.19 million) over the three-year assessment period (2022-2024),” the Premier League said in a statement.

    “The commission found that the club’s refusal to provide its annual accounts to the Premier League by the relevant deadline was a breach of Premier League rules.”

    Leicester were in 2023-24 playing in the Championship, which they won to earn a promotion to the Premier League. They were relegated back to the second-tier the next season.

    The EFL said its board decided to apply the sanction to the Championship points table with immediate effect.

    Leicester, without a win in their last four league matches, visit 13th -placed Birmingham City tomorrow.

  • Leicester City sack manager Cooper after 12 league games

    Leicester City sack manager Cooper after 12 league games

    Leicester City have sacked manager Steve Cooper with the club 16th in the Premier League after 12 games.

    The Foxes were beaten 2-1 by a Chelsea side managed by former boss Enzo Maresca on Saturday – a defeat which left them two points above the relegation zone.

    Cooper took over from Maresca in the summer after the Italian had led Leicester to the 2023-24 Championship title and promotion back into the Premier League.

    “Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible,” said a Leicester statement.

    Assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach and analyst Steve Rands have also left the club, whose next game is away at Brentford on Saturday, 30 November.

    The defeat by Chelsea was Leicester’s sixth in the top flight this season and, afterwards, Cooper was critical of referee Andrew Madley’s performance in the game.

    Speaking to BBC Sport, he also said: “I knew how tough the challenge of the season was going to be both on and off the pitch and it’s proving to be that but that’s just how it is coming back into the league.

    “I believe we can do better so that’s got to come in the performances to get the results.”

    He is the second manager to be sacked in the Premier League this season following Manchester United parting company with Erik ten Hag in October.

    Former Leicester keeper Mark Schwarzer said he was “a little bit surprised” by Cooper’s departure.

    “Leicester is not known for being a club that will sack managers quickly,” the Australian told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They are not known to panic.

    “At times some would say that perhaps they have held on too long to some managers.

    “You did hear after the last few games that Cooper was pointing his finger a lot at the officials for decisions that had gone against Leicester and perhaps cost them.”

    Read Also: EPL: Leicester City draw Crystal Palace 2-2 at Selhurst Park

    Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said that he “cannot believe” Cooper has been sacked.

    He added: “I think they have had a reasonable start to the season, they are not in the relegation zone.

    “The three promoted sides last season went straight back down. I think that decision is really harsh.”

    Cooper took over at Leicester following a stint in charge at Nottingham Forest, who sacked him in December 2023.

    The 44-year-old guided Forest to promotion into the top flight in 2022 and, after having kept them in the division the following season, he was dismissed midway through 2023-24 with the club in 17th spot.

    Cooper, who guided England’s Under-17s to victory at the 2017 World Cup, also had a two-year spell in charge of Swansea, taking them to the Championship play-off final in 2021 where they lost to Brentford.

  • EPL: Leicester City draw Crystal Palace 2-2 at Selhurst Park

    EPL: Leicester City draw Crystal Palace 2-2 at Selhurst Park

    Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty rescued a draw for Crystal Palace as Oliver Glasner’s team fought back from two goals down to draw with Leicester City at Selhurst Park.

    Mateta calmly rolled the ball past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in the second minute of added time, after Conor Coady hacked down Ismaila Sarr inside the area.

    Jamie Vardy had opened the scoring for Leicester midway through the first half, collecting Wilfred Ndidi’s pass before rounding Dean Henderson and sliding the ball into the unguarded net.

    Read Also: EPL: Haaland scores brace as Man City beat Brentford 2-1

    It was 2-0 just 23 seconds into the second half, Ndidi capitalising on a poor clearance from Palace debutant Maxence Lacroix and teeing up Stephy Mavididi, who fired high into the net from close range.

    Mateta’s close-range finish from Tyrick Mitchell’s low cross was allowed to stand following a video assistant referee (VAR) check, but time appeared to be running out for Palace until Coady’s lunge on Sarr gifted the Frenchman the opportunity to level the score.

    Both teams remain without a win this season, but Palace will be by far the happier of the two sides after avoiding a third Premier League defeat by the skin of their teeth.

    BBCSports

  • Ndidi mourns death of former Leicester City boss

    Ndidi mourns death of former Leicester City boss

    Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi has taken to social media to mourn the loss of former Leicester City coach Craig Shakespeare, Soccernet.ng reports.

    The football world was hit with a big shock on Thursday following the death of English coach Shakespeare. The 60-year-old tactician was diagnosed with cancer last year before eventually giving up the ghost on Thursday.

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    Before his death, he worked with many clubs in England. He had stints with Hull, Watford, Aston Villa, Norwich and Everton. Most notably, he was Claudio Ranieri’s assistant when Leicester City won the Premier League in the 2015/2016 season.

  • Post Football Plans:  Ndidi, Tomori charting same way forward

     

    Leicester City Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori may be playing for different clubs and different countries, but both players appear to tilting to the same direction in terms of making plans for post football era.

    For both players sound education is the key to securing a better future after parting ways with the round leather game.

    Recall that Ndidi recently enrolled at the  De Montfort University (DMU) where he is pursuing in Business and Management.

    In the same vein Fikayo Tomori has revealed that he doesn’t join team-mates for FIFA and Fortnite sessions… because he’s studying for a business management degree.

    The 21 year old is studying pursuing his own course via the Open University.

    “Football is not going to go on forever. Whenever I retire, or if I get an injury I have something I’m working towards that can stand me in good stead for the future. I spend about eight to 10 hours a week, reading all the time, trying to learn new things,”Tomori told BBC

    Fikayo Tomori (l) and Tammy Abraham (r)

    Tomori has broken into the Chelsea side this season and earned his first senior England call-up for the games against Czech Republic and Bulgaria although he could not make a debut in the 2-1 loss to Czech Republic.

    Tomori hopes to complete the degree next year

    After gaining experience on loan at Brighton, Hull and Derby, Tomori has been given an opportunity in the Chelsea first team by Frank Lampard this season and has certainly seized his chance with some excellent performances.

    Tomori was also eligible to represent Canada or Nigeria, but he has now committed to England and will hope to have a key part to play at Euro 2020 next summer if Gareth Southgate’s side qualify as expected even as he hopes that he gets a time to debut against Bulgaria tonight just like fellow Nigeria born player and teammate Tammy Abraham made his three minutes debut against Czech Republic.

     

     

     

  • Ndidi sees yellow in City defeat, Iwobi fires blank in Everton loss

     

    It was double migraine for Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as he bagged a yellow card in Leicester City 2-1 defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.

    Ndidi who as usual was in action for 90 minutes was handed the yellow card in the 30th minute of the match by referee, Chris Kavanagh.

    Ndidi was however not the only fox that saw the other side of the referee as teammates Jony Evans and Çağlar Söyüncü were also carded.

    Liverpool forward and Senegal international Sadio Mane shot Liverpool into the lead in the 40th minute and also set up the added time penalty that was converted by James Milner.

    Leicester City’s consolation goal was scored in the 80th minute by James Maddison.

    The pain of losing was not an exclusive for Ndidi on Saturday as compatriot and Everton forward Alex Iwobi equally suffered a lone goal defeat by homers Burnley.

    Everton forward Alex Iwobi battles Burnley’s Hendrick

    Iwobi like Ndidi was also in action for full 90 minute with Everton maintaining lion share of possession which unfortunately could not translate into goals at the Turf Moor.

    Seventy two minute goal scored by Jeff Hendrick was all Burnley needed to seal victory and put smile on the faces of home fans and record only their second victory in six matches the first one being a 2-0 victory at home over visiting Norwich City last month, while Everton were recording their fourth defeat in six matches.

  • VAR erases Ndidi, Serge Aurier goals in Leicester’s 2-1 win

    Business minded Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi shot his Leicester City side into the lead in the 26th minute against Spurs on Saturday but had the goal cancelled by VAR.

    The Video Assistant Referee had ruled that the Nigerian international was off side and as such the goal could not hold.  Ndidi was however not the only one that jubilated first for scoring  and disappointed  later as Tottenham’s Serge Aurier equally suffered the same fate in the 67th minute when he grabbed what should have been the visitors second goal after red hot Harry Kane had scored  the first  in the 29th minute .

    Gingered by Kane’s goal Spurs maintained a very strong momentum and looked like they were bent on running away with an away victory.

    Serge Aurier celebrates before his goal was cancelled by VAR

    Ricardo Pereira however leveled up for Leicester City in the 69th minute just two minutes after Serge Aurier’s goal was annulled by the VAR.

    A rejuvenated Leicester City then consolidated with James Maddison getting a second goal in the 85th minute and the Foxes put up a good show to maintain the lead to the end of the match.

    The victory of course gave Ndidi who was as usual in action for the entire duration of the match something to take home.

    Compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho was however not listed and will be hoping to have an opportunity in Leicester next match when they take on Luton Town in the League Cup on Tuesday at the Kenilworth Road.

     

  • Ndidi in action as Leicester City triumph over Bournemouth

    Wilfred Ndidi returned from a hamstring injury to help Leicester City claim a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in a Premier League game on Saturday.

    The 22-year-old was missing in action against Sheffield United and Newcastle United but after shaking off the injury problems, which ruled him out, he was handed a starting role against the Cherries.

    The Nigeria international featured from start to finish in the encounter to help the King Power Stadium outfit stretch their winning run to three games.

    Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the 12th minute of the game but Callum Wilson equalised for the visitors three minutes later.

    Youri Tielemans then gave Brendan Rodgers’ men the lead in the 41st minute before England international Vardy completed his brace in the 73rd minute.

    Read Also: Ndidi on target as Leicester hold Chelsea

    Ndidi’s compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho was not listed for the game as Leicester clinched their second league win of the season.

    The victory saw the King Power Stadium outfit climb to the third spot on the table with eight points from four games.

    The combative midfielder will hope to build on the performance when Leicester visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in their next game on September 14.

    Goal.Com

     

  • Ndidi enrolls in University dreams big for young players

     

    Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is looking forward to seeing more Nigerian young players effectively combine football with academics.

    Ndidi who recently enrolled with De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester City to study Business Management said the study will put him in better position to help young Nigerians who are ready to joggle football career with academics.

    The former Genk ace expressed delight at finally getting the opportunity to pursue a management course without affecting his playing career.

    Wilfred Ndidi front roll happy to learn new things

    “I was really happy when DMU staff said I could study here,” he said. “I wanted to do this course because growing up in Nigeria we didn’t really have the opportunity to actually go to school

    “It’s a personal thing for me that I want to do, to expand myself and learn new things,” he said in an interview with the school. The school enrollment according to the 22 year old who has become a must play at the King Power Stadium expressed satisfaction with the cooperation he is getting from the teaching staff of the institution, while noting that his enrollment has given room for  more fruitful use of his spare time.

    “Instead of sitting at home after training I come to DMU for my classes. The teachers have been amazing; they really try and help me understand.

    Ndidi: No stopping the fun on the pitch

    Rather than just reading books they take time to explain things to me and they very well understand my training Schedule,” he enthused

    Leicester City, face Sheffield United away on Saturday. Ndidi who scored a 67th minute goal in the Foxes’ recent 1-1 draw away to Stamford Bridge will be hoping to re-enact the feat when they face Sheffield United at the Bramall Lane.

  • Man U Move: Maguire thanks former Leicester City teammates

     

    Manchester United new signing Harry Maguire has penned down what could pass for a thank you note for Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi and his other former teammates after sealing his move to Old Trafford.

    “I am delighted to have signed for this great club,” Maguire told United’s official website. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons.

    The former Leicester City Centre back successfully completed a £80million transfer to Manchester United on Monday and looks to debut for the new club against visiting Chelsea on Sunday.

    The former Hull City ace signed a 6-year contract with an option for a further 12 months extension. The 26 year old was initially linked with both Manchester clubs over the summer but Leicester held out for their valuation with the fee now surpassing the £75million Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil Van Dijk in January 2018.

    Maguire who has made over 20 appearances for the Three Lions confessed that it was difficult to say NO, when the Manchester United offer was placed on the table

    “When Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.

    “From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It’s clear to see that Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started,” he enthused

    Manchester United coach Gunnar Solskjaer who is looking forward to better finish this season is elated at the coming of Harry, describing him as one of the best centre-backs in the game.

    Solskjaer said: “Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature.

    “He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure – coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes. I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.”

    Maguire becomes United’s third signing of the summer, having last month completed deals for Swansea flyer Daniel James and Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

     

    Read Also: Man U optimistic over £80m Harry Maguire deal