Leicester City, a prominent team in the Championship, announced the appointment of Gary Rowett as head coach until the end of the 2025-26 season.
On 19 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Leicester City Football Club announced the appointment of Gary Rowett as their new head coach, signing him through the end of the 2025-26 season. This marks Rowett's return to Leicester City after 24 years, dating back to his two seasons as the team's right-back, during which he played 57 matches at Filbert Street.
Throughout his 14-year managerial career, Rowett has managed nearly 600 games, over 400 of which were in the Championship. He brings extensive experience back to Leicester City, where he played from 2000 to 2002. He arrives with a familiar coaching team, including former Leicester teammate Callum Davidson as assistant manager, who will work alongside Andy King and Adam Sadler on the senior staff.
Gary Rowett, the new head coach, said after his appointment, “I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to serve as the new manager of Leicester City and to work with a talented group of players during these crucial upcoming months.”
“Everyone is fully aware of what we need to achieve from now until the end of the season, and the work starts immediately. I look forward to building relationships with the players, club staff, and fans, all of whom are vital to guiding the team toward the results we desire.”
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, chairman of Leicester City Football Club, stated, “Gary is a manager with deep understanding of the Championship and has experience handling situations like the one we face in the final 14 matches of the season—the battle to stay in the league.”
“This is a critical mission that the entire club is fully committed to, and we will support Gary wholeheartedly as we work together to find the right path and outcomes.”
“I would like to thank Andy King for his professionalism and dedication in preparing the team so far. He will remain an important part of the staff to ensure continuity in the work alongside Gary and Callum.”
Currently aged 51, Rowett is widely recognized for his managerial stints with clubs including Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City, Millwall, and most recently Oxford United, whom he helped avoid relegation from the Championship in the 2024-25 season. In the Championship, Rowett’s teams are known for their stability and consistency, key qualities for coping with the league’s intensity.
Gary Rowett will be officially introduced to the media on Thursday, ahead of the away match at Stoke City on Saturday. Following the away game at Middlesbrough on Tuesday, 24 Feb, he will oversee his first home match as manager on Saturday, 28 Feb, against Norwich City.
Rowett will begin leading first-team training from Wednesday. The "Foxes" are scheduled to visit Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday at 19:30 local time.