Leicester City dropped into League One this season carrying enormous expectation. A squad rebuilt after relegation from the Championship, a fanbase that fills the King Power Stadium beyond what most third-tier clubs could dream of, and an ownership situation that has attracted headlines of its own: the Foxes were always going to be the division's most scrutinised club. Now, just weeks into the campaign, questions are mounting about whether the early league position is good enough.

A mixed start to the season

The early fixtures have underlined just how competitive this division is. A draw on the opening day, a defeat to Burton Albion and a stalemate against Notts County have meant Leicester have dropped points they might have expected to collect. In League One, where the gap between a top-six finish and a mid-table rut can hinge on a handful of results across August, those dropped points matter more than they might appear at first glance.

Points per game (the average a club earns from each match played) is one of the most reliable early indicators of where a side will finish. A figure below 1.5 at this stage rarely translates into automatic promotion, and Leicester will be acutely aware that the division does not wait for big clubs to find their rhythm.

Why the concern is legitimate

Radio Leicester's coverage flagged the current table position as "a new low" for the Foxes, and the sentiment among supporters reflects genuine unease rather than mere impatience. There are several reasons why the worry is not misplaced.

  • Rivals are already banking points. Other promotion contenders are not standing still. Every draw or defeat for Leicester is a chance for a chasing pack to open a gap that becomes harder to close as winter approaches.
  • The squad is still settling. Manager Steve Martin has spoken openly about further exits as the club trims its numbers. Uncertainty over the final shape of the squad can affect cohesion on the pitch, particularly in terms of defensive structure and pressing patterns.
  • History suggests fast starters win this division. In recent third-tier seasons, clubs that have climbed into the top six by October have overwhelmingly been the ones to secure automatic promotion. Starting slow is not fatal, but the runway to correct it is shorter than it feels.

Bade Aluko offers a wider perspective

The Radio Leicester programme also featured a contribution from Bade Aluko, whose insight offered some context around the club's broader situation. While the details of those comments were not available in full, the involvement of voices from outside the immediate playing staff suggests the conversation around Leicester's direction extends well beyond week-to-week results.

What comes next

Leicester's immediate focus in league football will be on closing the gap to the automatic promotion places. The EFL Cup brings a fixture against Ipswich Town, though for the purposes of the third-tier table, it is the League One results that define whether this project is on track.

The talent in the squad is not in doubt. Will Alves impressed in the opening fixture, and the depth available to the manager is greater than most of his rivals can call upon. The question is whether those resources can be organised quickly enough to make the kind of consistent run that League One promotion demands.

For now, the Foxes' supporters are smiling through gritted teeth. The division has a habit of humbling clubs who underestimate it, and Leicester, more than most, will know the cost of a slow start.

Frequently asked

Why are Leicester City in League One?
Leicester City were relegated from the Championship ahead of the 2026-27 season, dropping them into the third tier for the first time in many years.
How have Leicester City done in League One so far this season?
Leicester have made an inconsistent start, picking up draws against Notts County and on the opening day, while also suffering a 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion, leaving their early league position a source of concern for supporters.
Will Leicester City get promoted from League One?
It is too early to say, but their mixed start means they will need to improve their points-per-game return quickly if they are to challenge for the automatic promotion places.