The dream has officially turned into a nightmare for Leicester City who less than 300 days after lifting the Premier League title have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri.
While the fall-out continues surrounding the Italian’s brutal departure from the King Power Stadium though, the search is already on to find his replacement on the touchline.
Here we take a look at four candidates who could step in to try and keep the Foxes in the Premier League, as well as the three at the club who sealed Ranieri’s fate.
Who could step in for Leicester?
Guus Hiddink
The 70-year-old Dutchman excelled in a fire-fighting role at Chelsea in 2009, and kept a steady ship following his brief Stamford Bridge return in 2015.
Hasn’t held a full-time position since leaving his role as Holland boss, where he contributed towards the country suffering catastrophic failure in failing to qualify for Euro 2016.
Unlikely to be interested in a full-time position, but could be tempted by another short stint in the Premier League.
Roberto Mancini
Manchester City title winner in 2012, played for Leicester in the twilight of a glittering career.
Has been out of management since leaving Inter Milan in 2016 following an unsuccessful spell, having also departed Galatasaray after just one season in 2014.
The Italian boasts an impressive range of clubs on his management CV having also taken charge at Fiorentina and Lazio as well as a first spell as Inter boss before arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
Going against the 52-year-old is no experience dealing with a relegation battle.
Michael O’Neill
Performing wonders with Northern Ireland but only a candidate if Leicester are in the mood to gamble.
O’Neill’s reputation has risen after guiding Northern Ireland to the last-16 of Euro 2016, but has no record of managing in England following club spells at Shamrock Rovers and Brechin City.
A risky appointment on a number of levels but every manager needs a break somewhere.
Martin O’Neill
Could make an emotional return to the club he managed with distinction between 1995 and 2000.
Republic of Ireland wouldn’t be as keen to let their manager take over at the King Power Stadium, but may be flexible to allow the 64-year-old to fill in until the end of the campaign.
O’Neill’s last Premier League job saw him sacked as Sunderland manager in 2013 after less than two years at the club.
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