Leicester City had the slightly surreal experience on Saturday of securing promotion without even playing.
In the vain hope of allowing City's achievement to sink in, IBNWT has compared compiled its ultimate Leicester City Promotion XI.
The best players* from each of the last three Premier League promotion-winning sides (1996, 2003 and 2014) have been chosen to form a team that would melt the heart of the coldest of City fan.
* Please note this is entirely subjective, and any analysis that has taken place has barely risen above the level of a monkey-with-a-pin.
Still, it's a nice walk down Memory Lane - so enjoy.
GOALKEEPER: Kasper Schmeichel (2014) -
A tough call.
At the end of last season, if I had to choose between Tim Flowers and Kasper Schmeichel, it would have probably gone to the more accomplished Flowers.
Don't get me wrong, I love Kasper. Love him like an endearing but slightly-too-keen best mate. But his propensity to flap at crosses (a case in point being his star-fish jump at Troy Deeney on that day last May) has always been Kasper's Achilles' heel.
This season, he has all but eradicated that weakness from his game and his wonderful star-jump stops (a Schmeichel-trademark) have saved Leicester City's bacon so many times (readers of a certain vintage can enjoy remembering the Elder Schmeichel's bacon connection here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCAmZ9cOaoc).
Another Schmeichel trademark, of course, is goals (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiypsJpTx3E). Those who witnessed Kasper's 'goal' against Yeovil will surely never forget it.
Yet, so cruelly denied this goal by a short-sighted ref, Kasper shares this snub with his nearest rival for his spot in this team, Tim Flowers. In the last game of the 2002/03 season, and with promotion already in the bag, Leicester were trailing 1-0 away at Wolves (where Flowers had started his career) when City were awarded a last minute penalty. Flowers, in what was to be the last meaningful game of his career, signalled to the bench to ask if he could take it. Micky Adams refused, cruelly, and "Tricky" Trev Benjamin slotted it home.
Kevin Poole, Flowers and Schmeichel - three Leicester City legends - but Kasper gets the nod.
LEFT-BACK: Mike Whitlow (1996) -
Continuing the theme of Leicester City players being cruelly denied, Mike Whitlow loved Leicester City so much that he nobly sacrificed his (old) Division One medal when he joined City from champions-to-be Leeds United in March 1992. Although he'd played enough games for Leeds to earn a medal in Leeds' triumphant campaign, he was denied under the old system as he was playing for Leicester when Leeds clinched the last old Division One title in May of that year.
Thankfully, this tale has a happier ending for Whitlow than for Kasper or Flowers, as the PFA finally awarded him his medal in 2002.
A faithful servant and a solid, no-nonsense full-back from the days when full-backs were defenders rather than supplementary attackers, Whitlow played for Leicester for over five years. He wrote his name in Leicester City folklore as not only did he play in the play-off final against Crystal Palace, but he was also part of the successful 1997 League Cup campaign.
CENTRE-BACK: Steve Walsh (1996) -
Is there any City fan over 20 who remembers the days of Steve Walsh with anything other than pure, unbridled nostalgia?
Captain Fantastic was a true leader on the pitch and a true gentleman off it, he was the player people turned to when they needed a safe pair of hands. The coolest of heads, it's hard to see how Leicester City could have pulled off the impossible in 1996 without Steve Walsh at the back.
With almost 400 appearances for the Foxes, Walsh also scored (or played a part) in so many crucial Leicester goals - he set-up both goals in the two League Cup Finals of 1997, he scored the goal against Arsenal in the 3-3 draw of 1997, and the play-off goal against Derby in 1994.
The fact that he has spoken of being treated so cruelly at the end of his career by he-who-must-not-be-named (P***r T**lor, or the man Walshy labels 'Tater Peeler) only enhances his status as a legend amongst the City faithful.
CENTRE-BACK: Matt Elliott (2003) -
A near impossible call.
The CB position of our promotion years is flush with talent - Morgan, Elliott, Taggart or Liam 'he's one of our own' Moore could all do a job alongside Steve Walsh.
The Walsh-Elliott-Taggart troika was immense for City in the Premier League, combining a canny ability to score goals with an immovability that would have made the Soviet Union view the Berlin Wall as an unnecessary extravagance.
Then, when the glamour of the Premier League fell from our grasp, when we were relegated after eight years of success and plunged into administration and financial misery - we had no Steve Walsh (he'd been sent to Norfolk by 'Tater Peeler...). We looked to Elliott to deliver leadership, to keep his head when most about him were losing theirs.
And he delivered.
Combining the toughness and physicality of Steve Walsh with a technique and deftness of touch that would make most centre-forwards jealous, Elliott was always composed on the ball and notched up 26 goals in his Leicester City career.
RIGHT-BACK: Ritchie De Laet (2014) -
It was hard to resist the urge to put Liam Moore in at right-back, just to get the local lad in the team, but RDL has been one of Leicester City's unsung heroes this campaign.
The epitome of the modern day "wing-back" rather than full-back, RDL's style is more Philip Lahm than Nigel Winterburn - and all the better for it. From the same Manchester United academy that has given Leicester City the midfield lynchpins of Danny Drinkwater and Matty James, RDL's foraging runs down the right have been a key element in so many Leicester goals this season, not least his fabulous goal against Derby County.
The fact that he sometimes gets caught out at the back will always be forgiven when he is such a threat going forward.
LEFT-MIDFIELD: Lloyd Dyer (2014) -
The third longest-serving current City player (assuming that Conrad Logan counts...) Dyer won over so many City fans in 2011, when put out to pasture under Sven.
When Lloyd was ignored in favour of lesser lights such as Neil Danns or Michael Johnson, he didn't sulk on the sidelines but instead declared he was "proper proud" to play for Leicester and spoke of his (and his young son's) love of the club, rejecting a move elsewhere. From that moment on, his place in Leicester fans' hearts was assured.
This season, he has been City's most improved player without question. Undeniably quick, Lloyd often fluffed his lines at the last moment, yet this season his pace down either flank has finally been alloyed with a (sometimes) clinical finish and (sometimes) an instinct for the killer ball, with 9 goals and countless assists. Mahrez has kept him out of the team of late, but Lloydy was crucial for so much of this year.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Muzzy Izzet (2003) -
The only member of this dream team to have featured in two promotion-winning campaigns (1996 and 2003), Muzzy Izzet was the easiest choice to make.
When others (*cough* Robbie Savage *cough*) abandoned ship in the wake of Leicester City's financial woes and relegation in 2002, Izzet rolled up his sleeves and dug in. In a midfield consisting of wet-behind-the-ears youngsters and players playing for nothing (Billy Mickinlay and Nicky Summerbee deserve honourable mentions for the latter), Izzet was an experienced pro and a composed presence.
In 270 games over 8 years at Leicester, this Chelsea academy product possessed a true threat going forward and scored some incredible goals (including this peach against Grimsby Town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6OHXjh2CLk).
"I love this place" Muzzy declared upon yet another relegation in 2004, and it's hard to believe that Izzet wouldn't have had more recognition in certain quarters had he played for a more 'glamorous' Premier League outfit.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Danny Drinkwater (2014) -
Some readers will have a minor coronary at the omission of "Number 7" - Neil Lennon from this squad, but there's no place for Neil for the same reason Riyad Mahrez is left out. Lennon only signed in February of the 1995/1996 promotion season and his impact was not so significant in that promotion year to oust the wonderful Danny Drinkwater.
When Drinky plays well, so do Leicester.
He always shows for the ball, he always works tirelessly without the ball and links the defence and the strikers when he does have possession. It was no coincidence that, when Drinkwater's form fell off in early 2013, Leicester fell away from the automatic spots.
More even than Knockaert, Drinky's story is the story of redemption. Having come in for criticism from the Foxes' faithful during that dismal run last season, Drinky reminded the fans of their criticism with ear-cups after goals against 'Boro and Charlton. Since then, he has quietly gone about his business as the heartbeat of this team along with Matty James, with whom he seems to share a telepathic understanding.
RIGHT-MIDFIELD: Anthony Knockaert (2014) -
Vicarage Road. 12 May, 2013. 2:21pm.
The scaffolding that counts as Watford's stadium is coated in glorious sunshine. The travelling City fans are bouncing. Leicester have just been awarded a penalty. In the play-off semi-final. In the 97th minute. This is it. After almost 10 years. Leicester are one kick away from Wembley.
After winning the penalty, 21 year-old Frenchman Tony Knockaert grabs the ball. He places the ball on the spot. He takes 10 steps back. But, he looks nervous.
His mouth is open and he's gasping for air as he walks away from the ball, like a boxer in the 12th round He throws a quick glance at referee Michael Oliver, and begins his run-up....
We all know what happens next.
And, we all know how well, and how quickly, Tony K recovered.
It was all love for him after that penalty miss and this year he was able to carry on from where he left off last season. After his wonderful goal at Vicarage Road in November, it felt like he had completely put that day in May behind him.
He offers that little bit of magic when all seems lost. Truly special, and truly loved by the Leicester fans.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Paul Dickov (2003) -
Paul Dickov's nickname - the Wasp - was inspired less by his small stature and more by his relentless terrorising of defenders.
His workrate would tire the Duracell bunny and his commitment to winning three points on a Saturday afternoon would make Tony Benn's commitment to socialism look like a passing interest.
In 2002/2003 he was able to find the perfect foil in Brian Deane, and their partnership was one of the last 'Little 'n Large' partnerships, before that fad fell by the wayside.
Also in that 2002/03 season, Dickov became for Leicester City that rarest of beasts - a 20-goal-a-season striker, notching up the perfect 20 in League and Cup.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Emile Heskey (1996) -
Emile Heskey made his debut in a defeat at QPR in March 1995, when Leicester City were in the final throes of a miserable Premier League season. However, he didn't really 'arrive' until a truly momentous home fixture against Norwich, just before Christmas the same year.
Sir Martin O'Neill had resigned from the Norwich job hours before kick-off, leaving both Norwich and Leicester City managerless, after McGhee had crossed the Midlands to join Wolves. O'Neill was, of course, soon to join Leicester, but before any of that took place - there was a game to win.
After Leicester had battled back from 2-0 down to draw things level, a young Emile side-footed a goal home 11 minutes from time. Leicester had taken the 3 points, and Emile Heskey had shown he was something special.
Although Heskey contributed only 7 goals in that promotion campaign, his performances were based on much more than goals alone, as is always the way with Emile. He had the physique of a boxer and combined a decent touch with a selflessness and a tactical awareness that brought the best out of those he played with, and earned him 62 England caps.
SUBS:
Tim Flowers (GK) (2003)
Gerry Taggart (CB) (2003)
Wes Morgan (CB) (2014)
Neil Lennon (CM) (1996)
Garry Parker (CM) (1996)
Jamie Vardy (CF) (2014)
Steve Claridge (CF) (1996)
In the vain hope of allowing City's achievement to sink in, IBNWT has compared compiled its ultimate Leicester City Promotion XI.
The best players* from each of the last three Premier League promotion-winning sides (1996, 2003 and 2014) have been chosen to form a team that would melt the heart of the coldest of City fan.
* Please note this is entirely subjective, and any analysis that has taken place has barely risen above the level of a monkey-with-a-pin.
Still, it's a nice walk down Memory Lane - so enjoy.
GOALKEEPER: Kasper Schmeichel (2014) -
A tough call.
At the end of last season, if I had to choose between Tim Flowers and Kasper Schmeichel, it would have probably gone to the more accomplished Flowers.
Don't get me wrong, I love Kasper. Love him like an endearing but slightly-too-keen best mate. But his propensity to flap at crosses (a case in point being his star-fish jump at Troy Deeney on that day last May) has always been Kasper's Achilles' heel.
This season, he has all but eradicated that weakness from his game and his wonderful star-jump stops (a Schmeichel-trademark) have saved Leicester City's bacon so many times (readers of a certain vintage can enjoy remembering the Elder Schmeichel's bacon connection here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCAmZ9cOaoc).
 |
| Schmeichel - saving bacon |
Yet, so cruelly denied this goal by a short-sighted ref, Kasper shares this snub with his nearest rival for his spot in this team, Tim Flowers. In the last game of the 2002/03 season, and with promotion already in the bag, Leicester were trailing 1-0 away at Wolves (where Flowers had started his career) when City were awarded a last minute penalty. Flowers, in what was to be the last meaningful game of his career, signalled to the bench to ask if he could take it. Micky Adams refused, cruelly, and "Tricky" Trev Benjamin slotted it home.
Kevin Poole, Flowers and Schmeichel - three Leicester City legends - but Kasper gets the nod.
LEFT-BACK: Mike Whitlow (1996) -
 |
| Whitlow - no nonsense |
Thankfully, this tale has a happier ending for Whitlow than for Kasper or Flowers, as the PFA finally awarded him his medal in 2002.
A faithful servant and a solid, no-nonsense full-back from the days when full-backs were defenders rather than supplementary attackers, Whitlow played for Leicester for over five years. He wrote his name in Leicester City folklore as not only did he play in the play-off final against Crystal Palace, but he was also part of the successful 1997 League Cup campaign.
CENTRE-BACK: Steve Walsh (1996) -
 |
| Captain Fantastic |
Captain Fantastic was a true leader on the pitch and a true gentleman off it, he was the player people turned to when they needed a safe pair of hands. The coolest of heads, it's hard to see how Leicester City could have pulled off the impossible in 1996 without Steve Walsh at the back.
With almost 400 appearances for the Foxes, Walsh also scored (or played a part) in so many crucial Leicester goals - he set-up both goals in the two League Cup Finals of 1997, he scored the goal against Arsenal in the 3-3 draw of 1997, and the play-off goal against Derby in 1994.
The fact that he has spoken of being treated so cruelly at the end of his career by he-who-must-not-be-named (P***r T**lor, or the man Walshy labels 'Tater Peeler) only enhances his status as a legend amongst the City faithful.
CENTRE-BACK: Matt Elliott (2003) -
A near impossible call.
The CB position of our promotion years is flush with talent - Morgan, Elliott, Taggart or Liam 'he's one of our own' Moore could all do a job alongside Steve Walsh.
The Walsh-Elliott-Taggart troika was immense for City in the Premier League, combining a canny ability to score goals with an immovability that would have made the Soviet Union view the Berlin Wall as an unnecessary extravagance.
 |
| Elliott-Walsh-Taggart in 1998 |
Then, when the glamour of the Premier League fell from our grasp, when we were relegated after eight years of success and plunged into administration and financial misery - we had no Steve Walsh (he'd been sent to Norfolk by 'Tater Peeler...). We looked to Elliott to deliver leadership, to keep his head when most about him were losing theirs.
And he delivered.
Combining the toughness and physicality of Steve Walsh with a technique and deftness of touch that would make most centre-forwards jealous, Elliott was always composed on the ball and notched up 26 goals in his Leicester City career.
RIGHT-BACK: Ritchie De Laet (2014) -
It was hard to resist the urge to put Liam Moore in at right-back, just to get the local lad in the team, but RDL has been one of Leicester City's unsung heroes this campaign.
 |
| Winterburn: NOT RDL |
The epitome of the modern day "wing-back" rather than full-back, RDL's style is more Philip Lahm than Nigel Winterburn - and all the better for it. From the same Manchester United academy that has given Leicester City the midfield lynchpins of Danny Drinkwater and Matty James, RDL's foraging runs down the right have been a key element in so many Leicester goals this season, not least his fabulous goal against Derby County.
The fact that he sometimes gets caught out at the back will always be forgiven when he is such a threat going forward.
LEFT-MIDFIELD: Lloyd Dyer (2014) -
The third longest-serving current City player (assuming that Conrad Logan counts...) Dyer won over so many City fans in 2011, when put out to pasture under Sven.
 |
| "I love this club and my son loves this club" |
This season, he has been City's most improved player without question. Undeniably quick, Lloyd often fluffed his lines at the last moment, yet this season his pace down either flank has finally been alloyed with a (sometimes) clinical finish and (sometimes) an instinct for the killer ball, with 9 goals and countless assists. Mahrez has kept him out of the team of late, but Lloydy was crucial for so much of this year.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Muzzy Izzet (2003) -
The only member of this dream team to have featured in two promotion-winning campaigns (1996 and 2003), Muzzy Izzet was the easiest choice to make.
In 270 games over 8 years at Leicester, this Chelsea academy product possessed a true threat going forward and scored some incredible goals (including this peach against Grimsby Town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6OHXjh2CLk).
"I love this place" Muzzy declared upon yet another relegation in 2004, and it's hard to believe that Izzet wouldn't have had more recognition in certain quarters had he played for a more 'glamorous' Premier League outfit.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Danny Drinkwater (2014) -
Some readers will have a minor coronary at the omission of "Number 7" - Neil Lennon from this squad, but there's no place for Neil for the same reason Riyad Mahrez is left out. Lennon only signed in February of the 1995/1996 promotion season and his impact was not so significant in that promotion year to oust the wonderful Danny Drinkwater.
 |
| You what? |
When Drinky plays well, so do Leicester.
He always shows for the ball, he always works tirelessly without the ball and links the defence and the strikers when he does have possession. It was no coincidence that, when Drinkwater's form fell off in early 2013, Leicester fell away from the automatic spots.
More even than Knockaert, Drinky's story is the story of redemption. Having come in for criticism from the Foxes' faithful during that dismal run last season, Drinky reminded the fans of their criticism with ear-cups after goals against 'Boro and Charlton. Since then, he has quietly gone about his business as the heartbeat of this team along with Matty James, with whom he seems to share a telepathic understanding.
RIGHT-MIDFIELD: Anthony Knockaert (2014) -
Vicarage Road. 12 May, 2013. 2:21pm.
The scaffolding that counts as Watford's stadium is coated in glorious sunshine. The travelling City fans are bouncing. Leicester have just been awarded a penalty. In the play-off semi-final. In the 97th minute. This is it. After almost 10 years. Leicester are one kick away from Wembley.
 |
| Magnifique |
His mouth is open and he's gasping for air as he walks away from the ball, like a boxer in the 12th round He throws a quick glance at referee Michael Oliver, and begins his run-up....
We all know what happens next.
And, we all know how well, and how quickly, Tony K recovered.
It was all love for him after that penalty miss and this year he was able to carry on from where he left off last season. After his wonderful goal at Vicarage Road in November, it felt like he had completely put that day in May behind him.
He offers that little bit of magic when all seems lost. Truly special, and truly loved by the Leicester fans.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Paul Dickov (2003) -
 |
| Paul Dickov in 2003 |
His workrate would tire the Duracell bunny and his commitment to winning three points on a Saturday afternoon would make Tony Benn's commitment to socialism look like a passing interest.
In 2002/2003 he was able to find the perfect foil in Brian Deane, and their partnership was one of the last 'Little 'n Large' partnerships, before that fad fell by the wayside.
Also in that 2002/03 season, Dickov became for Leicester City that rarest of beasts - a 20-goal-a-season striker, notching up the perfect 20 in League and Cup.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Emile Heskey (1996) -
 |
| William Ivanhoe |
Emile Heskey made his debut in a defeat at QPR in March 1995, when Leicester City were in the final throes of a miserable Premier League season. However, he didn't really 'arrive' until a truly momentous home fixture against Norwich, just before Christmas the same year.
Sir Martin O'Neill had resigned from the Norwich job hours before kick-off, leaving both Norwich and Leicester City managerless, after McGhee had crossed the Midlands to join Wolves. O'Neill was, of course, soon to join Leicester, but before any of that took place - there was a game to win.
After Leicester had battled back from 2-0 down to draw things level, a young Emile side-footed a goal home 11 minutes from time. Leicester had taken the 3 points, and Emile Heskey had shown he was something special.
Although Heskey contributed only 7 goals in that promotion campaign, his performances were based on much more than goals alone, as is always the way with Emile. He had the physique of a boxer and combined a decent touch with a selflessness and a tactical awareness that brought the best out of those he played with, and earned him 62 England caps.
SUBS:
Tim Flowers (GK) (2003)
Gerry Taggart (CB) (2003)
Wes Morgan (CB) (2014)
Neil Lennon (CM) (1996)
Garry Parker (CM) (1996)
Jamie Vardy (CF) (2014)
Steve Claridge (CF) (1996)
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