Russell Martin has offered his thoughts ahead of Leicester City's League One fixture at Barnsley's Oakwell ground, giving supporters a sense of the mood inside the camp as the Foxes look to string together a run of positive results in the third tier.

Martin speaks ahead of the Oakwell visit

The Leicester head coach was featured on Radio Leicester's matchday preview programme, speaking to presenter Jack Rafferty in a 21-minute episode broadcast on 18 September. Martin discussed the challenge of facing Barnsley away from home, a fixture that will test the character of a squad still finding its feet under his management.

The programme's title, "When You're Smiling," hints at a more upbeat atmosphere around the club than has been the case at points this season. Earlier in the campaign, results were difficult and questions were being asked publicly about the direction of the squad. Centre-back Conor Coady suggested the problems ran deeper than the manager alone, while midfielder Jacob Ramsey stressed how important it was to "back up" a positive result after a win over Stockport County.

That backdrop makes Martin's tone in the preview all the more notable. A settled message from the head coach, delivered calmly and with clarity, can carry real weight in the dressing room, particularly at a club still adjusting to life in League One after coming down from a higher level.

Why Oakwell is no straightforward assignment

Barnsley are not in our division's coverage remit, but the practical demands of travelling to Oakwell are worth understanding for Leicester supporters. The ground holds just over 23,000 and routinely generates a partisan home atmosphere that can unsettle visiting sides, particularly those with a large squad that is still gelling.

For Leicester, the trip represents another opportunity to collect points away from the King Power Stadium. Away form in League One can be the difference between a club pushing for automatic promotion and one that finds itself relying on the play-offs. Every point on the road matters, and the coaching staff will be well aware of that arithmetic.

A squad taking shape

Leicester have moved quickly in the transfer market, bringing in goalkeeper David Cornell to cover for an injury to Jakub Stolarczyk, and adding the likes of Riis, Lundstram, Doyle and O'Hora to bolster the squad. Those additions suggest the club's ambition in the third tier has not dimmed despite the difficult start to the season.

Midfielder Tom McLean, speaking recently, argued that Martin needs time to implement his ideas. That view appears to be shared within the dressing room, with forward Patson Daka's teammate expressing publicly that the squad believes in what the manager is building. These are encouraging signs, even if results have been inconsistent.

The "When You're Smiling" title of the Radio Leicester preview is, in context, a meaningful phrase. After a bruising 4-0 defeat earlier in the season, finding reasons to smile while preparing for a tricky away day speaks to a shift in the energy around the training ground. Whether that mood translates into points at Oakwell will tell us plenty about how far this Leicester side has come.

What to watch for

Supporters tuning in or travelling up to Barnsley should pay particular attention to how Leicester set up defensively away from home. Martin's sides tend to be possession-oriented, pressing high and looking to win the ball back quickly, but that approach can be stretched when an opponent plays direct. Barnsley are capable of testing visiting defensive lines with pace in behind, so the back four's organisation will be under scrutiny.

With a growing squad and a manager who appears to be finding his voice at the club, this Leicester City side is beginning to look like one that could mount a genuine challenge as the League One season progresses. The trip to Oakwell is a useful early indicator of just how ready they are.

Frequently asked

When is Leicester City's game at Barnsley?
According to the Radio Leicester preview broadcast on 18 September 2026, the fixture at Barnsley's Oakwell ground was being previewed for that upcoming matchday.
How is Russell Martin getting on as Leicester City manager?
Martin's start at Leicester has been mixed, with a heavy early defeat followed by improved results. He has spoken publicly about his methods and players such as Jacob Ramsey and members of the squad have backed his vision for the club in League One.
Where do Leicester City stand in League One?
Leicester are competing in League One this season and have been building their squad through the transfer window. Their exact league position depends on the most recent results, so check the official EFL table for the latest standings.