Former England boss says style, not circumstances, is costing Russell Martin
Sam Allardyce has publicly questioned Russell Martin’s prospects at Leicester City, saying the head coach’s rigid tactical beliefs have previously led to dismissals and are likely to do so again. The comments, made on the No Tippy tappy Football podcast hosted by Boyle Sports and Footy Accumulators, land while the Foxes continue to underperform and face rising calls for change from some supporters.
Allardyce pointed to Martin’s short and difficult spell at Rangers — where he was dismissed after 17 matches with only one Scottish Premiership victory — and suggested a similar pattern has followed him to other clubs, including Southampton and now Leicester.
“I wouldn’t give any advice to Russell Martin at Leicester, because I know he wouldn’t take it. It cost him his job at Southampton, it cost him his job at Rangers, and it’s going to cost him a job at Leicester.”
On the podcast, Allardyce said Martin sticks to a style of play that may be beyond the capability of the players available to him and implied that the manager’s reluctance to adapt has harmed his career. He contrasted Martin’s approach with managers who have adjusted tactics to preserve their positions, referencing other clubs’ willingness to modify how they play in order to get results.
Local consequences for Leicester City
The critique comes at a sensitive time for supporters in the city. The club, once crowned Premier League champions in 2016, has endured a dramatic decline in recent seasons. Allardyce’s suggestion that Martin’s methods may not suit the squad raises questions about recruitment, match-day performances and long-term direction — matters of direct concern to season-ticket holders and local businesses that rely on matchday trade.
- Managerial stability: Allardyce argues that unwillingness to adapt can lead to repeated sackings.
- Player suitability: The claim is that Martin’s style may not match the current squad’s capabilities.
- Club trajectory: Supporters will be watching whether the board backs Martin or seeks a change.
Allardyce also referenced the need for managers to be pragmatic. He cited examples of others who have altered their tactics — for instance, switching to a more direct style to secure results — and suggested such flexibility can be decisive in preserving jobs.
Record and context in brief
The remarks highlight three previous episodes Allardyce says prove his point: the end of Martin’s tenures at Southampton and Rangers, and the current spell at Leicester. The Rangers spell in particular is singled out for its brevity and lack of victories in the domestic league.
| Club | Detail referenced by Allardyce |
|---|---|
| Rangers | Sacked after 17 matches with one Scottish Premiership victory |
| Southampton | Departure cost him the job (no further figures provided) |
| Leicester City | Currently in charge; facing criticism amid poor results |
While Allardyce’s comments are blunt, they will be read against the club’s recent decline from the heights of the 2016 title-winning side and the turbulent seasons that followed. For many in Leicester, the question is whether the club’s hierarchy will back Martin’s long-term plan or seek immediate results through different managerial methods.
Supporters and city businesses alike will watch closely for any sign of change from the King Power Stadium. Any decision on Martin’s future will not only affect team tactics and player recruitment but also the mood around the club in Leicester itself.
Local voices, including fans and analysts, will be listening for how the board responds — whether by reaffirming their support or by moving to alter the course set under Martin.
