Thursday 5 May 2016 16:57, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes says there is no reason Leicester's stunning story cannot be repeated next season.
Claudio Ranieri's side, rank outsiders at the start of the campaign, defied extraordinary odds to claim the first top-flight title in their 132-year history with two matches to spare.
Despite their success, bookmakers have installed them around the 40/1 mark to repeat the feat next season. But Hughes says Leicester, or any other 'so-called unfashionable' club, should not be written off.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace, Hughes, whose side lie 10th in the Premier League, said: "Whether or not it is unprecedented, are we going to see more so-called unfashionable clubs getting to the top of the pile, who knows?
"But it's a great effort that Leicester have been able to do it with a couple of games to spare. They deserve great credit for that.
"The fact Leicester have done that probably adds more pressure on clubs like Stoke because now everyone thinks maybe we can do it, or other teams in and around the top 10."
But Hughes insists a number of factors must fall in line if any manager is to have a chance of adding only the seventh name to the Premier League trophy.
"It's not easy," he added. "You have to have things go for you, you need a bit of luck along the way and the players have to be at the the top of their level for the entire season and that doesn't happen very often.
"You need good players, a good team and a good work ethic. If you have all these things, and a little bit of luck, then you have a chance."
Despite the country's leading clubs looking certain to strengthen in the summer, Hughes is adamant another shock winner this time next year cannot be ruled out.
"Leicester have shown what can happen and that will obviously resonate with a lot of clubs," he said.
"You sense next season the so-called bigger clubs will have something to say about that, and probably give it a better run than they did this season. But when an opportunity presents itself you have to grab it, and that is what Leicester have done."
