Leicester Assistant Conor Hourihane Departs After Just Four Months as Pressure Mounts on Russell Martin

Leicester City assistant manager Conor Hourihane has left the League One club after only a little over four months in the role, BBC Sport reports.

The 35-year-old joined the Foxes in June as Russell Martin’s number two, arriving fresh from a 14-month spell as Barnsley manager that ended at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Hourihane was brought in to help rebuild the once-Premier League champions following successive relegations from the top flight and the Championship, which left Leicester in the third tier for just the second time in the club’s 142-year history. A sluggish start to the campaign — five wins and four defeats from their opening 13 league matches — has placed significant pressure on Martin, who has so far retained his position despite growing scrutiny.

While Martin has weathered the criticism, the departure of the former Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa, Derby County and Barnsley midfielder represents a notable change in the dugout. Martin will continue to work with the rest of his existing coaching team, which includes Andy King, Tom Weal and Rhys Owen. Loans manager Steve Morison has also been added to the backroom staff to provide additional coaching support.

In a club statement, Leicester said: “We thank Conor for his contribution during his time with us and wish him well for the future. First Team Manager Russell Martin will continue to be supported by the existing coaching staff of Andy King, Tom Weal and Rhys Owen. Steve Morison will also provide coaching support to the First Team alongside his existing responsibilities as Loans Manager.”

The high-profile exit comes at a delicate stage of the season for the Foxes as they attempt to steady their promotion push under Martin.

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