Gary Rowett: Leicester City confirm former Oxford United coach as new manager

Leicester City, struggling in the English First Division, announced the appointment of its former player Gary Rowett as its new coach until the end of the season.

BBC Radio Leicester previously reported that the 51-year-old, who was sacked as Oxford coach two months ago, trained with the Foxes on Wednesday.

Rowett will replace Marty Cifuentes, who was sacked three weeks ago, and his first match for Stoke City will be on Saturday.

Leicester occupies third place from bottom in the championship, two points from safety with 14 matches remaining.

“I’m really proud to be the new Leicester City manager and to have the opportunity to work with and lead a talented group over the coming months,” Rowett told the club website., external

“It is very clear to all of us what needs to be achieved between now and the end of the season and the work starts immediately.

“I’m looking forward to building relationships with the players, with the staff at the club and with the fans, all of which will be vital to help us achieve the results we need.”

Rowett, who spent two years as a player at Leicester City after joining from Birmingham City in 2000, has previously managed five clubs in the Championship.

He took charge of Birmingham, Derby County, Stoke, Millwall and most recently Oxford, where he was in charge for almost a year before being sacked in December 2025.

Rowett’s former Foxes defensive teammate Callum Davidson will be his assistant.