‘Meeting the opposition’ – Leicester City F.C
Tranmere progressed into the knock-out stages of the ‘Papa Johns’ trophy, following a successful group stage. Their reward? A home tie against Leicester City’s Under 21s. The contest will take place on Wednesday night and it should be a good test for the Whites against a young and energetic opposition.
I thought it would be necessary to speak to a Leicester City supporter to get their views on the club’s on and off the pitch matters and get an insight into the club’s promising talents; amongst other subjects. I placed questions towards Nathan Hobill to do so.
How long has Nathan been supporting the Foxes?
‘I have been supporting Leicester since around 2007ish, my uncle took me to the Walkers Stadium (the name at the time) and I’ve not looked back since’
Leicester’s last campaign:
‘In the last campaign, our academy reached the Quarter Final of the Leasing.com trophy. League Two Newport County beat us at the Rodney Parade stadium’.
Thoughts on the academy and first-team managers:
‘A lot of our fans have been very critical of our Academy manager Steve Beaglehole, some feel like he hasn’t got the best out of the squad which is a very fair and true piece of criticism in my opinion. However, first team manager Brendan Rodgers is top notch. He can make some strange substitutions which either make or break our games but overall I think he’s the one that can lead us to a trophy’.
Expectations for this campaign:
‘My realistic aim at the start of the season was top 4. We’re currently sitting in 3rd so we’re on track, we’ve been very inconsistent throughout and our home form is a huge letdown’.
The visitors ‘one to watch’:
‘Our main danger man was probably Admiral Muskwe but this week in the January transfer window he’s headed out to Wycombe Wanderers on loan. It’s a very good move for him if he’s promised game time but definitely a big blow for the academy team. Other than him I’d probably say Thakgalo Leshabela as he’s been knocking on the door of the first team. Thakgalo has been on the bench for a couple of Premier League and Europa League fixtures this campaign’.
Score prediction:
‘I’m honestly not too sure as it is always difficult to predict a game where a senior team is coming up against an academy. I suppose it all depends if Tranmere go full strength or not. I’m gonna go for 2-1 Leicester though, just to back my team (laughs)’.
Random fact about Leicester City:
‘There are a few interesting facts about Leicester City. One, Gary Lineker is a massive Leicester fan and he was born here too which is the same with the legend that is Emile Heskey. A very good fact, as well as a flex, Peter Shilton was a Leicester City player when he won the World Cup with England in 1966’.
Proudest moment as a supporter of the club:
‘Silly question really (laughs), the infamous 2015/16 campaign where we lifted the Barclays Premier League trophy. This would end up by being Quarter Finalists in the Champions League the following season, being knocked out by the great Atletico Madrid’.
An opposition fan’s views on the Whites:
‘I don’t really have an opinion on Tranmere to be fair, all I can really say on the hosts is that I have a few friends from Tranmere and they’re a decent bunch. Good luck tonight 😉 ‘
- The Foxes’ promising academy talent Thakgalo Leshabela, the 21-year-old midfielder may feature at Prenton Park in tonight’s Papa Johns trophy cup tie.
I would like to thank Nathan Hobill for his time answering the questions that I placed towards him. This cup tie should be an interesting occasion as youngsters come up against strong seniors. I hope that readers enjoyed this Q+A.
Thank you very much for reading,
Stay safe,
Ethan Hoijord.