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Leicester City FC was founded (as Leicester Fosse) in 1884 by members of the Emmanuel Church. The unusual name derived from a local landmark that dates back to the Roman occupation.

For the first seven years of their existence, they played only friendly matches, but in 1891, they joined the Midland League.

Move to Filbert Street

That same year, they moved to a new ground at Filbert Street, and three years later, they were elected to Division Two of the Football League.

In 1908, Fosse won promotion to Division One, but they were relegated immediately.

Name Change to Leicester City FC

After World War One, the club changed their name from Leicester Fosse to Leicester City FC. In 1925, they won the Second Division title and remained in the top flight until 1935.

They were promoted again in 1937 only to be relegated once more in 1939.

FA Cup Finalists

In 1949 they were beaten FA Cup Finalists but, that same year, narrowly avoided relegation to the Third Division.

1954 brought another Second Division title followed by yet another immediate relegation.

In 1957 City won the Second Division again and this time managed to consolidate at the higher level.

During the 1960s, they played in three FA Cup Finals, losing on each occasion.

League Cup Triumph and Defeat

There was some compensation in the form of the League Cup, which they won in 1964 beating Stoke City over two legs in the final.

The following year, they were finalists again, losing out this time, to Chelsea.

In 1969 City were relegated once more but in 1971 they won the Second Division title again, and this time survived in the top flight for seven years.

The years 1978 to 1983 saw two relegations, two promotions, and an FA Cup semi-final.

Relegation in 1987 saw them start a seven year spell in the Second Division, and after promotion in 1994, they went straight back down, only to return the following season via the playoffs.

League Cup Winners Again

Between 1996 and 2002 City consolidated at the top level, and also won the League Cup twice (1997 and 2000).

Move to Walker's Stadium

Leicester moved into the brand new 32 500 seater Walker's Stadium for the start of the 2002-03 season, but a crisis followed in October 2002 which saw the club going into administration.

A consortium, led by former player Gary Lineker, took over and guided City back into the Premiership that same season, but they were relegated again in 2004.

The Milan Mandaric Takeover

In 2007 former Portsmouth owner Milan Mandaric bought the club, but the hoped for revival failed to materialise as a procession of managers came and went and the club were relegated to League One at the end of the 2007/2008 season.

Their stay in League One was a brief one and they achieved promotion to the Championship at the first time of asking.

In 2009/10 they qualified for the play-offs but lost out to Cardiff City on penalties.

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