Outfox the Fox

No, he's not, they're struggling to get into the Playoffs in the National League. With their resources (American money and great attendances for that League) and mainly keeping a decent squad, relegated from the EFL (under Hughes), they should be doing much better.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11760/13431700/michael-skubala-interview-learning-growth-and-lincoln-city-rebuilds Well, Lutterworth exactly, but I get your drift. An interesting interview with Sky.

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-drops-leicester-city-10803299 It sounds like Rowett is pitching and being lined up for us? And there are a few social media posts out there, saying the same thing.

I'd definitely go with that 11 as well (but obviously Kristiansen and Aluko, the other way around).

All the rumours about Coleman coming here, were in relation to an appointment as the permanent Manager. I speculated that he could have been in Rudkin's mind as the potential Technical / Sporting Director. I remember reading an interview Coleman did after leaving Leuven, when he said he would now be interested in other, more general, Football Management work. His experience in 5 years with Wales, when he was responsible for recruiting & supervising the Coaching team, working with the Welsh FA, squad selection and negotiation with League clubs on player availability, as well as dealing with the media, gives him a wider CV, than just day-to-day team Coaching. The fact that Rudkin knows him (always an important consideration at the KP!), also leads me to think that, as well as being in the frame for the Sporting Director role, his past working relationship with King, could mean he'd help out on the Coaching side now.

I think that could be what's being planned. All the rumours about Coleman coming here, were in relation to an appointment as the permanent Manager. I speculated that he could have been in Rudkin's mind as the potential Technical / Sporting Director. I remember reading an interview Coleman did after leaving Leuven, when he said he would now be interested in other, more general, Football Management work. His experience in 5 years with Wales, when he was responsible for recruiting & supervising the Coaching team, working with the Welsh FA, squad selection and negotiation with League clubs on player availability, as well as dealing with the media, gives him a wider CV, than just day-to-day team Coaching. The fact that Rudkin knows him (always an important consideration at the KP!), also leads me to think that, as well as being in the frame for the Sporting Director role, his past working relationship with King, could mean he'd help out on the Coaching side now.

Lascelles & Mukasa deals confirmed. Still waiting for Richards.

Daka and Fatawu have been linked with a move to Saudi. Of course, their transfer window ends a lot later than today, so both might well move in the next week or two, not today.

Daka and Fatawu have been linked with a move to Saudi. Of course, their transfer window ends a lot later than today, so both might well move in the next week or two, not today.

With Aribo coming (a left footed right winger), I guess that means Fatawu WILL be on his way (to Saudi?). Just hope we get a decent price.

With Aribo coming (a left footed right winger), I guess that means Fatawu WILL be on his way (to Saudi?). Just hope we get a decent price.

On the 'Managerial Appointment' thread, I've put out the idea that all the rumours about Coleman coming in, COULD be, that he's intended as an interim appointment to help AK. His experience and links to Kingy with Wales, do support that view. PS I've also wondered if Coleman could be the impending 'mystery' Technical Director Appointment. While his actual experience doesn't seem ideal for that Sporting or Technical Director role, a case might be made, that he could do it. And of course, he's 'worked' (metaphorically!), with Rudkin, at Leuven.

All these rumours about Coleman coming, he couldn't be the one they've lined up for the Technical Directors job, could he?! Lots of experience (though not necessarily the right experience) and Rudkin has 'worked' with him at Leuven.

I think that could well be true. Kingy's 'backup'? They have obviously worked together with Wales. One other thought has crossed my mind, could Coleman be the incoming Technical Director?!

Now, I think that could be what Pete O'Rourke and Football Insider may have picked up. There was talk yesterday that King would need some 'backup' (Coaching / Technical support), possibly from an older (not necessarily, wiser!) head - and Nige was being mooted as someone who could offer that. Perhaps Rudkin, with his 'in depth footballing knowledge and clever recruitment' of Coleman for Leuven, thinks that he could a job at the KP! Now, I agree with all on here, that CC would be useless as a permanent Manager, but PERHAPS he could bring some experience to help King out in the SHORT term?

I disagree, of course we can hire a permanent Manager before the Technical Director comes in. It sounds Top has already decided on the Director, he admits that everything is nearly in place, just the contract and the legal paperwork to sort out. SO, there's nothing to stop Top & Rudkin speaking to the new Tech guy, getting his advice / recommendations on potential Managers and his OK'ing a final appointment. I'd say it's distinctly likely that a new Manager will come in soon - possibly before the new Director, certainly together with, or soon after. All my reading of candidates, Top's comments on the type of guy he wants (ie someone with 'Championship battle' experience) and the way betting has been going, I'd say Rowett will be the man. As many on here have been saying, I think he's the best we can get, given our current situation. I partly agree with what Foxin Mad says, Rowett isn't great and had a poor record at Stoke (though, did OK elsewhere - even Oxford, given their circumstances), but I simply feel we've got so few options. If it was my choice, I'd go with Hassenhuttl, but I can't see any way he'll come in our present situation.

Has there been any announcement of Coaching, Technical or Analytical support for Kingy? I guess Calm and that Spanish 'Analytical Consultant' have gone. The most obvious people in the club he could turn to, would be Begovic & McSweeney. He will need some backup. I think most of us would like NP to come in (at least), on a temporary Consultant basis, but I can't see that happening. Any other obvious candidates?

You're spot on, BR, Cifuentes has dug his own grave in his comments. The fact that he didn't (in that game) and can't (in so many) 'gee' up his players to perform, is his single worst weakness. Other weaknesses, such a tactical knowledge, Coaching ability and flexilibility during a match, only add to his lack of man management skills. The 2 greatest Managers in the 60 years I've been following City, had the man management ability in abundance:- 1) MON - for me, the best, for his own strengths, which in turn, allowed him to pick and then use, the skills of Assistants - obviously Steve Walford for his tactical & Coaching knowledge and John Robertson for his passion & Training ground ability. 2) Claudio - another great man manager, who knew when to intervene (and when not to!) and when (and how) to inspire players. Of course, he could never have done what he did, without Shakey (probably one of the best Coaches we've ever had - unfortunately not a Manager!). And of course all these strengths on the Coaching side, we're aided by the best 'Director of Football' we ever had - Steve Walsh (who's scouting & recruitment knowledge and skills made our current 'Director' look like Mickey Mouse - who should have stayed working with the kids, where he belongs!). No, Cifuentes has called for his own sacking, in what he said!

https://www.sportscasting.com/uk/news/leicester-blackburn-battle-sign-bulgarian/ Fabian Nurnberger - a Bulgarian LEFT BACK now!

Trouble is, he's not CURRENTLY scoring goals, he hasn't played a competitive game for months - the Swedish Allsvensken is a Summer League and the season doesn't start until April. It will take him weeks to get match fit.

Cov are close to signing Esse from Palace, so Wilson to us is a possibility.

A mate of mine who's a Chesterfield fan, says they were able to offer him pretty much a regular start (in fact he's playing right now). I guess League 1 clubs (where I thought he might go), couldn't offer that.

Wow, I've never seen that before. As a lot have said here, the recent failings of King Power are many, but it appears her (forced) leaving could be one of their worst decisions. It only confirms to me, that the quicker they sell up, the better - anything else, is just rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic!

WE desperately need him back - not just because of that goal, he is Player of the Season already, for Newport.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/rd-congo-stephy-mavididi-changes-162000828.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKf-7kWx6dIOVigCjqVHXA_gea4FX6vK9QPM8kiA7zr6gZna8oLML92abCN6uGHT7Md1jx6LAC9V-YdsC61QSG5agsFDgu5R_LEq3U_caFu21Zb9UZM3gsuLAP_Mki_JI8I3UZLzEvNmhjgxfOfiX50fEpbShwDCfl8ofoOWV3JV Stephy wants to play for the Democratic Republic of the Congo - are they in AFCON?