The sun’s out and the end of the season seems a while back now, but it’s never too soon to start looking towards next season. Pre-season is only around the corner and the exciting news this week is the match against Sunderland that’s going to be played in the summer. We’ve had some great pre-season friendlies over the years, such as Real Madrid last year, but a match against Sunderland is going to mean one main thing to any City fan… the return of Martin O’Neill. His return will bring the fans down to the King Power and get behind the lads before the real work of next season starts. I’ve got the utmost respect for Martin and he’s undoubtedly one of the finest managers I was ever fortunate enough to play under. Sunderland were in trouble when he took over but he had an immediate impact, as he has done on every team he’s managed. I don’t doubt that Sunderland will be ever more of a force to be reckoned with next season! Martin O’Neill is a great motivator and knows exactly how to bring out team spirit. He’s his own man and is very different to other managers, he takes a personal interest in players and forced results out of you. What’s more, he won’t speak to you if you dare to lose!

In other news this week City have signed Jamie Vardy from non-league Fleetwood. Fleetwood’s only 20 miles from me and it’s great to see local talent coming through. Steve Walsh is an excellent scout and wouldn’t take someone on without fully researching them first. If we can offer him the right coaching and techniques then I see no reason why he can’t do a job for us next season. He’s got a great goal ratio for Fleetwood and if he could achieve only half of that for City then we’re on to a winner. He’s been scouted by plenty of clubs and for Leicester to snap him up is a great acquisition.

I think for everyone this week has been about soaking up the sunshine! Back in my early days we used to get 3 months off in the summer and come back to work unfit and overweight, but times are different now. It’s an important time for the players to go away and reflect on the season that has been, but more importantly they should be looking forward to getting back to training and preparing for the challenges of next season. Except hopefully they’ll be able to get back to work with a suntan! Next year is a key season for Leicester City and the owners and hopefully we’ll be fighting ready for it to start!

As I mentioned last week we’ve got a very exciting event coming up later in the year as we host An Evening With Mike Tyson. This event has now changed to Thursday 11th October and will be held at The Colisseum in Leicester. This is going to be a massive not-to-be-missed event and tables are already selling fast! Packages are available and further info on tickets or general event info is available from [email protected] – Don’t miss out!

At the end of July I’ll be hosting a Legends 5-a-side tournament with the likes of Muzzy Izzet, Matt Elliott, Gerry Taggart, Serge Pizzorno and many more. Enter a team for photo opportunities, family fun and a great day out – spaces still available!
If golf is more your sort of thing then we’ll be hosting a charity golf day on Friday 29th June at Glen Corse Golf Club. Myself, Muzzy Izzet and Matt Elliott will all be playing, as well as Gerry Taggart, Steve Guppy, Ian Marshall and cricket legend Paul Nixon. Refreshments, prizes, memorabilia, raffles and much more. For all event info be sure to contact [email protected]

 
Thanks to everyone for reading and I’ll see you back here next week! In the meantime you can follow me on Twitter @SteveWalsh5.