Leicester F.C.

Leicester F.C.

Leicester Football Club was formed in 1884, under the name Leicester Fosse, because they have been playing their matches near Fosse Road. When Football League Divisions 2,3 and 4 were formed in 1894, they joined Second Division because they have finished 2nd in the previous season in their regional Midland League. During this season, they recorded their biggest win ever 13:0 against Notts Olympic, in the FA Cup. In 1908 they went on to finish 2nd in Second Division, and they earned a promotion to the English top tier. However, their First Division spell lasted only one season,and they have suffered their biggest defeat ever (12:0 against Nottingham Forest), before they were eventually relegated back to the Second Division.

After First World War, they have been renamed to Leicester City (1919) after some financial difficulties. Also, club had some success in 1920s. They managed to win second Division in season 1924/25, and they finished 2nd in First Division in 1928/29 season. During 1920s, Arthur Chandler was introduced to club, and went on to become one of their most notable players ever. On the other hand, 1930s weren’t so fortunate for the club. They were relegated in 1935, and in 1937 they went back to First Division. However, they were relegated once again in 1939, and they stayed in Second Division until 1954.

As I’ve said, they went back to First division in 1954,but they were relegated that same season. Soon enough, Leicester went back to First Division in 1957. This time, they came back to stay, because 1957-1969 is their longest First Division spell ever. In 1961 and 1963, they reached FA Cup Finals, but they didn’t manage to win it. However, in 1964 they managed to get their first major trophy, when they won against Stoke City 4:3 (on aggregate), and claimed League Cup title. In 1969, they reached FA Cup Finals once again, but unfortunately, they lost 1:0, this time against Manchester City. Also, this was the year when Leicester was relegated back to Second Division.

They spent two seasons in Second Division, and they came back to First Division in 1971. They finished 12th in First Division, but they managed to win Charity Shield title that same season. Their First Division spell lasted seven seasons this time, and in 1977/78 they went back to Division Two. Ever since then, Leicester F.C. have been enjoying their reputation as yo-yo club, because they didn’t spend more than 6 seasons consecutive in first or second English tier. However, year 1979 is important because one of their most famous home-grown players, Gary Lineker, made his debut. The club played their first Premier League season in 1994/95. They moved to the Walkers Stadium in 2002, which was renamed King Power Stadium in 2011. Leicester’s last Premier League season was 2003/04, before coming back in 2014.

Leicester’s best ever league position in no.2 in First Division (1928/29). The club has won English second tier seven times, and they were FA Cup runners-up four times. They won League Cup three times, and they hold one FA Charity Shield title.

Leicester’s all-time high goalscorer is Arthur Chandler (273 goals), and Arthur Rowley hold the record for the most goals scored in one season (44). Graham Cross holds the record for most club appearances (599), while former goalkeeper Mark Wallington holds the record for most consecutive appearances (331).

Youngest first-team player is Ashley Chambers (15 yrs, 203 days), while Mark Schwarzer (42 yrs, 352 days) holds the record as the club’s oldest player ever.

Five people from their lines have been introduced to the English Football Hall of Fame: Gordon Banks, Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker, Don Revie and Frank McLintock.