Leicester City eye former Barnsley boss as Russell Martin assistant

Leicester City will attempt to convince Conor Hourihane to join the club to assist recently-appointed manager Russell Martin, according to reports.

The 35-year-old embarked on his first full season as a manager, finishing 15th in League One with Barnsley after securing the job on a permanent basis following on from his interim spell the season prior.

Although it was announced in early April that the former Derby County and Aston Villa would leave his role as manager, Hourihane saw out the remainder of the campaign.

He has been linked with the now vacant Salford City job in recent weeks, however, reporter Peter O'Rourke believes that Leicester City are prepared to offer him an opportunity to remain in the third tier.

O'Rourke wrote on X this morning: "Understand former Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane is being lined up to join Leicester as assistant to new manager Russell Martin. #LCFC."

The Foxes are eyeing an immediate return to the Championship after suffering a shock relegation last season and earlier this week hired Martin to aide with that goal. The former Southampton and Rangers manager had been out of a job after overseeing the shortest reign of any Ibrox head coach in history.

Prior to that, Martin's stock had been fairly high due to his successful spell at Southampton.

The 40-year-old led the Saints to the play-off final victory against Leeds, completely overhauling their style of play and overseeing a then club record 25-game unbeaten run on their way to achieving promotion to the Premier League.

However, Southampton struggled to adapt to the rigors of the top tier; Martin heading for the exit door with his side bottom rock bottom of the division.

Now back in calmer waters and taking charge of an impressive squad for the level, Martin will be aiming to guide Leicester towards the League One title.