Lineker's 'little bit of magic'

A stand at Leicester's ground is named after Lineker

Fans of Leicester City football club have said they are delighted that Gary Lineker's consortium is to take over the club.

The long-awaited decision was announced by the administrators before Saturday's game against Millwall.

It means that the troubled club should come out of administration within six weeks.

Lineker is a fan of the club and carries folk hero status in Leicester where he began his footballing career.

It's a little bit of magic

Cliff Ginetta, supporters' club

Cliff Ginetta, from Leicester City Supporters' Club, said: "It looks as though we'll be okay.

"Everybody's delighted about it. It's a great Christmas present for every Leicester City fan.

"You think of Leicester and you think of Gary Lineker - everybody loves Gary, he's a smashing bloke.

More money

"It's a little bit of magic."

The club has ended the troubled year on a positive note and is sitting second in Division One and looking good for an immediate return to the Premiership.

Mr Ginetta urged the new consortium to keep the squad together at least until the end of the season to keep the promotion push on course.

Lineker said after his consortium won the bid: "It's a great day. I'm thrilled to be in a position where I might be able to help the club."

The consortium still needs to attract investment to make the bid secure and is meeting fans group the Foxes Trust, which has raised funds to help save the club.