Friday 24 February 2017 08:48, UK
Leicester City have begun their search for a new manager after sacking the Claudio Ranieri, the coach who delivered them the most unlikely Premier League triumph in history just last season.
Former boss Nigel Pearson, who guided the club to safety against all odds the year before Ranieri's championship triumph, is among the favourites.
Former West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has also been linked to the role, as has ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and former Ajax boss Frank de Boer.
Ranieri, 65, was dismissed on Thursday with the club sitting one point above the relegation zone, as club vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha paid tribute to the Italian after what he called the most difficult decision the owners have had to take during their tenure.
"This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City," said Srivaddhanaprabha.
"But we are duty-bound to put the club's long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be.
"Claudio has brought outstanding qualities to his office. His skilful management, powers of motivation and measured approach have been reflective of the rich experience we always knew he would bring to Leicester City.
"His warmth, charm and charisma have helped transform perceptions of the club and develop its profile on a global scale. We will forever be grateful to him for what he has helped us to achieve.
"It was never our expectation that the extraordinary feats of last season should be replicated this season. Indeed, survival in the Premier League was our first and only target at the start of the campaign.
"But we are now faced with a fight to reach that objective and feel a change is necessary to maximise the opportunity presented by the final 13 games."
Ranieri was sacked following the team's return from their 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in Spain, in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare and Mike Stowell will now take interim charge until a new man is installed.
Leicester next face Liverpool at the King Power Stadium on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1HD.
The Foxes are without victory in their last nine outings, since a 2-1 away win at Everton in the FA Cup on January 7, with their last league victory a 1-0 win over West Ham on December 31.
