These two clubs have a history of many players who have been in both camps and had great careers both at Leicester City and Birmingham City. Frank Worthington might be most famous for his career as a “fox”, but his presence at St Andrews will never be forgotten with some great games being part of their club from 1979 to 1982, playing 79 league games and scoring 29 goals.
In recent years Robbie Savage made the same type of switch, being transferred from a relegated Leicester City back in 2002, moving to Birmingham City for a fee in the region of £2million. He was and still is a character Robbie, and was well liked by fans at both clubs, always giving 100% for the clubs he represented.
Muzzy Izzet finished his career at St Andrews, and another “big man” from the MON years, Emile Heskey also had his days in both camps. Gary Rowett was the first signing done by Peter Taylor back in the summer of 2000 when he joined Leicester City from Birmingham City for a fee of £2million. Rowett also experienced the thrill of being in management at St. Andrews from 2014 to 2016.
Steve Lynex who in some way became a bit “iconic” at Leicester City, making all those great passes to Alan Smith and Gary Lineker, and playing alongside that more famous duo for a number of years. Steve Lynex was a good signing done by Jock Wallace back in 1981, and he remained at Leicester until 1986. Steve also made a short loan switch back to St. Andrews in 1986, adding up 10 more games and scoring 2.
Few might remember goalkeeper Paul Cooper much from his playing days at Leicester City and Birmingham City, but the great Ipswich Town goalie, started out at St Andrews and after his spell at Portman Road joined Leicester City in the lates 80’s.
One of the Leicester City stars of the late 50’s and early 60’s, Welsh international Ken Leek had a decent run at both clubs. Playing for Leicester City from 1958 to 1961 and after a short spell at Newcastle United playing on at Birmingham City from 1961 to 1964.
Lloyd Dyer who we of course fondly remember from those two great promotions seasons getting out of, first the 3rd tier and later the 2nd tier, is another “great” with a life at both places. Dyer, who is born in Birmingham, might be more fondly remembered for his days at Leicester, with those two promotion seasons mentioned, playing 230 league games in a career lasting from 2008 to 2014. He later had a loan spell at St. Andrews, playing 18 league games in 2018.
Leicester City “cult hero” Steve Claridge was signed by MON from Birmingham City, and he might have set more fire to the tent at Filbert Street than he did at St Andrews, scoring those two vital goals that secured a promotion and a EFL Cup win.
Not to forget yesterday and Demarai Gray who was in the starting line-up for Leicester City. Gray was a January 2016 signing from Birmingham City and has since his move from St Andrews had some great moments with Leicester City, winning the Premier League, playing in the Champions League and at the moment being part of a push for a great position in the PL this season as well as hoping for more fun in the FA Cup.
To overlook Demarai Gray would be foolish, with the England U.21 international playing at the very highest level with Leicester City. Gray joined from Birmingham City back in January 2016 and took part in the memorable PL win campaign.
Bruno N’Gotti had a great career in football, and he is also a former “Blues” and “Fox”, spending his later years in football with the two clubs. The former French international with a life at Lyon, Milan, Marseille, Paris and Bolton Wanderers played a total of 63 league games in total for the two.
A list of players in both camps,
- Goalkeepers
- Paul Cooper
- Defenders
- David Langan
- Geoff Scott
- Bruno N’Gotty
- Alex Bruce
- Gary Rowett
- Matthew Upson
- Midfield
- Neil Danns
- Robbie Savage
- Muzzy Izzet
- Steve Lynex
- Jesse Lingard
- Nicky Platnauer
- Demarai Gray
- Forwards
- Frank Worthington
- Ken Leek
- Steve Claridge
- Colin Gordon
- Geoff Horsfield
- Marcus Bent
- David Speedie
- Mike Newell
- Marc North
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