Leicester City Through The Years: 1970-1980

01

Building for a promotion bid

Having finished third in 1970 in the Second Division, manager Frank O’Farrell injected aggression into midfield by signing Willie Carlin (pictured) in October 1970 to complement his other recently signed ‘street fighter’, Bobby Kellard.

02

Shilton’s first England cap

Despite playing in the second tier, Peter Shilton won his first England cap (against East Germany) in November 1970. A few months later, this cover from ‘Goal’ commemorated Shilton’s international status.

03

A ‘tent’ to protect the pitch

This polythene inflatable ‘tent’, with a capacity of 720,000 cubic feet to protect the pitch in freezing weather, was installed in March 1971. It cost an initial £3,000, with a further £2,000 to pay when it was operating satisfactorily.

04

Second Division Champions

Leicester City skipper and England Under-23s international David Nish with the Second Division trophy, which was presented after the last game of the 1970/71 season, a 2-1 victory at Portsmouth.

05

A new manager

Following the departure of Frank O’Farrell to manage Manchester United, Jimmy Bloomfield was appointed manager of newly-crowned Second Division champions Leicester City.

06

Charity (Community) Shield winners

Second Division champions Leicester City defeated losing FA Cup finalists Liverpool at Filbert Street to win the Charity (Community) Shield after Arsenal's league double and pre-season trip abroad meant they couldn't participate.

07

Sammels, Weller & Birchenall sign

The directors' minutes for October 1971 record that the fees for new signings Alan Birchenall and Keith Weller were £100,000 each. They joined another £100,000 new signing Jon Sammels from Arsenal. In 1972/73, Leicester City also broke with tradition by adopting an all-white home kit for one season only.

08

Worthington joins the Foxes

In August 1972, Frank Worthington scored on his debut for Leicester City at Old Trafford, following his collapsed transfer to Liverpool.

09

Waters’ sensational debut

In March 1974, reserve Joe Waters scored two sensational goals on his debut, a quarter-final FA Cup tie at QPR. Another FA Cup highlight was the scintillating 4-0 victory at Luton in the fifth round.

10

A replayed FA Cup Semi-Final

Leicester City drew the 1974 FA Cup Semi-Final against Liverpool at Old Trafford, but lost the replay at Villa Park 3-1.

11

The end of an era

In May 1974, Graham Cross, who played in a record 599 games for Leicester City between 1961 and 1975, not to mention playing also for the England Under-23s and for Leicestershire CCC, was awarded a well-deserved testimonial game against Derby County. This 'Tank' record helped boost the testimonial funds.

12

A record-breaking goalkeeper

Mark Wallington started the 1974/75 season in goal. He went on to make 460 appearances for Leicester City, including seven ever-present seasons, six of them consecutive.

13

Four England internationals

Keith Weller, Steve Whitworth, Peter Shilton and Frank Worthington at Belvoir Drive in September 1974 after their England call-ups.

14

Stringfellow’s testimonial

After 14 seasons, 370 games and 97 goals, Mike Stringfellow, whose later career had been ravaged by injuries, was awarded a testimonial match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in April 1975.

15

'The Entertainers’

The Club’s official 1975/76 year book featured Bloomfield’s new signings Steve Kember, from Chelsea, and Brian Alderson, from Coventry City. The Club, playing entertaining football, went on to finish seventh that season in the old First Division.

16

The Birch’s player pass

This player’s pass belonged to ‘A. Birchenall. Professional Player’ in what turned out to be his last season at Filbert Street as a player. He has since become Leicester City's legendary and much-loved Club Ambassador.

17

McLintock appointed as manager

In July 1977, the Club appointed their ex-star player Frank McLintock as manager. He is pictured here with Derek Dawkins, Mark Goodwin and Nev Hamilton, members of Leicester’s excellent youth team.

18

McLintock leaves, Wallace arrives

In April 1978, McLintock resigned three days before a 3-2 defeat at Liverpool confirmed Leicester’s relegation. Jock Wallace is pictured here on his first day as Leicester City’s manager in June 1978. He had recently guided Glasgow Rangers to two Scottish trebles.

19

Sand hills at Wanlip

Jock signed this picture of the Leicester City players running up and down sand hills at Wanlip in pre-season training. He derived this infamous training routine from his time in the army.

20

Lineker’s debut

On New Year’s Day 1979, Wallace gave debuts to three players in a match against Oldham Athletic. These were Bobby Smith, signed from Hibernian, 16-year-old Dave Buchanan and 17-year-old Gary Lineker. In this programme feature, Gary admitted that he didn’t play well.

21

Weller’s white tights

Five days later, Weller, in his last-but-one game ever for Leicester City, famously wore white tights and scored a memorable goal, his last for the Club, in an FA Cup tie against Norwich City.

22

Strengthening the side

Wallace strengthened his young side for the 1979/80 season by spending a Club-record fee of £250,000 on Oldham Athletic’s Alan Young. Other new signings were Ian Wilson, Gregor Stevens and Pat Byrne.

23

Harlow humiliation

Despite being in a very strong league position at the top of the then Second Division, City were defeated 1-0 in an FA Cup Third Round replay at Isthmian League side Harlow Town.

24

Celebrating promotion

Larry May’s winning goal at Orient in the last game of the 1979/80 season was Leicester’s sixth win in seven games. It secured the Second Division title, giving rise to these Leicester celebrations on the pitch.

25

Young’s promotion trophy

This Second Division title trophy belongs to Alan Young, who played in every game that season and was top scorer with 14 goals.