The runners and riders to replace Dean Smith as Leicester City manager

Leicester City are once again looking for a new manager after Dean Smith’s contract expired at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Former Aston Villa and Norwich City boss Smith was drafted in to try and help The Foxes avoid relegation, but he failed to do so.

With their tricky financial situation, Leicester are something of a tough sell for top managers, but they need a promotion specialist.

The bookies have installed a number of candidates who could take over at the King Power Stadium, but some are naturally more preferable than others.

Enzo Maresca

At the time of writing, betting comparison site OddsChecker.com has former West Brom and Juventus midfielder Enzo Maresca as the favourite to take over from Smith.

He is currently the assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but he has only ever had one managerial role before.

The 43-year-old took charge of Italian outfit Parma in May 2021 where despite building an experienced team, he failed to set the world alight and was sacked in November of the same year.

Maresca is also being heavily linked with the vacant managerial post at Celtic.

Scott Parker

Former England international Parker is favourite with some bookies, and he would seem to be a decent option for Leicester.

Parker has guided both Fulham and Bournemouth to promotions in recent seasons, suggesting he has what it takes to repeat the trick with Leicester.

However, the issue lies with his ability to keep teams up in the top tier after a relegation with Fulham and being sacked by Bournemouth after a 9-0 drubbing by Liverpool.

Parker is fresh off the back of a disastrous spell in charge of Belgian side Club Brugge and would surely jump at the chance to get back into management.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Dutch legend van Nistelrooy is a recent addition to the race, and he seems to be a rather enticing option for Foxes fans.

He is fresh off the back of a wildly successful first season in management with PSV, lifting the KNVB cup and guiding them to second in the Eredivisie.

Despite being older than both Parker and Maresca, he is the least experienced of the three, with the 2022/23 season being his only one in sole management.

Nevertheless, he is a promising coach, and it would be an ambitious move by Leicester.

Steven Gerrard

Former Aston Villa and Rangers boss Gerrard has been mentioned for several jobs in recent weeks, but it seems unlikely that he will take the Leicester gig.

According to several reports, including from journalist Nicolo Schira, Gerrard has agreed to take over at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.

This rules him out of taking any job in England as he looks to rebuild his reputation overseas.