Leicester appoints Michael Appleton to serve as assistant manager

With Craig Shakespeare elevating from Claudio Ranieri’s assistant manager last season after the Italian’s departure, the void at the no.2 position was left vacant.

Until now, anyway.

After plenty of speculation about the appointment, it was confirmed on Tuesday that former Oxford United manager Michael Appleton will take over the duties for Shakespeare.

Who’s Michael Appleton, you ask? Well, you aren’t alone.

On the radar of very few before popping up in the rumors for this job, Appleton, 41, comes to the Foxes after three years in charge of Oxford United who currently plays in League One.

Prior to working with Oxford, Appleton spent time with Blackpool, Blackburn and Portsmouth.

The link between Shakespeare and Appleton goes all the way back to their respective time at West Bromwich Albion working in the academy setup at the Midlands club. Of Appleton, Shakespeare is very enthusiastic to have him at Leicester.

“I am delighted that the Club have been able to bring a coach of Michael’s standing to Leicester City,” said Shakespeare. “Michael and I worked together at West Bromwich Albion and it quickly became clear that he possessed all the qualities and the integrity required to enjoy a successful coaching career.”

Appleton and Leicester return to action in the Premier League on August 12 when they’ll travel to face Arsene Wenger and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.