Leicestershire

"The timing seems so bizarre but saying that, nothing should surprise me now."

Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure from Leicester City did not come as a surprise for many after a poor tenure in the Premier League. But the timing of it? That's caused a stir.

The When You're Smiling podcast team break down the possibilities for why the announcement has taken several weeks and the implications for Leicester in the upcoming season.

"A little bit surprised in terms of the actual timing of it. With the financial regulations, I thought it may have been beyond June into July," former Foxes striker Matty Fryatt said.

"Leicester have been sealed to their fate for nine weeks now and there's been no real news and you're thinking 'is Ruud going to stay or not?'.

"It seems to me like someone has said 'we've got the players back in for pre-season on Monday, by the way we've still got Ruud in charge, can someone get rid of him?'"

Listen to the full reaction and more on BBC Sounds.

Owynn Palmer-Atkin
BBC Radio Leicester reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The agreement between Leicester City and Ruud van Nistelrooy to terminate his deal at the club should not come as a surprise to many.

This always felt like a case of when, not if.

Relegation from the Premier League, five wins from 27 games in all competitions and record runs without a goal at home - it doesn't scream success for the Dutchman.

However, the timing and behaviour around the decision have to be questioned at the very highest level.

It's been over a month since the end of the season and double that since relegation back to the Championship was confirmed. In every press conference, Van Nistelrooy told the media that no conversations about his future had started. I think he knew his fate.

But that does not make it acceptable.

Fans have a right to question the timing, too. Leicester City are clearly grappling with financial issues; they may well have been waiting for the new Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) financial year on July 1.

But the agreement underpinning this agreement can always have a date in July. Which begs the question, why was this decision not made earlier? The fans deserve an explanation for that.

This is another critical moment for the club. The search for a fourth manager in 12 months, the pre-season beginning on Monday and the Championship opener six weeks from this weekend.

They have to get the next appointment right.

Amid rumours Sean Dyche might move to the King Power, Leicester are plotting a move to sign Everton defender Michael Keane on a free transfer when his contract expires later this month. (Football Insider, external)

Want more EFL transfer rumours? Check out Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

After weeks of uncertainty, Leicester City have finally parted ways with boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman only saw five wins out of 27 matches during his tenure with the Foxes, leaving some to question whether he was the right man to lead a Championship promotion campaign.

How are you feeling about the news, Foxes fans?

Do you think the timing is right or has the board been dawdling too long over a decision that feels like it's been on the cards for some time?

What do you make of the heavily rumoured appointment of former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche?

Let us know your thoughts here.

The EFL fixture list is out and we know you are bursting to know what you've got to look forward to - or dread - from your team this upcoming season.

Here are some key dates to put in your diary:

• 10 August 2025 - v Sheffield Wednesday (H)

• 16 August 2025 - v Preston North End (A)

• 20 September 2025 - v Coventry City (H)

• 6 December 2025 - v Derby County (A)

• 26 December 2025 - v Watford (H)

• 29 December 2025 - Derby County (H)

• 1 January 2026 - v Sheffield United (A)

• 17 January 2026 - v Coventry City (A)

• 2 May 2026 - v Blackburn Rovers (A)

See Leicester City's full fixture list here.