Russell Martin's future as Leicester City manager could be decided by the result of Saturday's match against Doncaster Rovers. The 40-year-old is under intense scrutiny after a run of poor form that has left the club 17th in League One, ten points adrift of leaders Plymouth.
Senior figures at the King Power Stadium are understood to be considering a change in the dugout. A decision is expected to be made after the weekend's fixture, with the outcome of the game against 16th-placed Doncaster seen as key. The club's hierarchy is said to be acting on instinct rather than a pre-planned change of strategy.
Pressure builds after poor run
Leicester have lost their last two league games, a 3-1 home defeat to Peterborough United followed by a 2-1 loss at Stevenage. Their recent form over the last five matches shows two wins, one draw and two defeats. The team's struggles are clear in the numbers, having scored 10 goals but conceded 14 in the league so far. With just nine points from eight games this season, the pressure on Martin has become significant.
Conor Hourihane, the club's current first-team coach, is the leading candidate to take interim charge if a change is made. The former midfielder is a respected figure within the squad and would be tasked with steadying the ship. The club's full squad list shows the playing resources available for any new boss.
A key home fixture
The immediate focus is on the visit of Doncaster this Saturday. A positive result could buy Martin more time to turn the season around, while another defeat may trigger immediate action from the board. The manager's position is precarious, with his team having dropped 14 points from a possible 24 so far this campaign.
Emil Riis Jakobsen has provided rare bright spots, scoring in each of the last two defeats. The wider context of the standings shows the scale of the task to climb the table.
Martin, who took charge in the summer, has yet to find a consistent formula. The team's defensive fragility was highlighted by an own goal in the recent loss to Peterborough. Supporters will be looking for a swift response when Doncaster arrive at the King Power Stadium on 17 October.
More detail at Football Insider
