Leicester ready for Fosse way

Leicester ready for Fosse way

Fans will be asked to take part in an historic vote

Fans of Leicester City will be given the chance to vote on changing the club's name at its home game on Saturday.

Supporters of the Foxes will be asked to hold up a sign with an "F" on it if they want to change the name to Leicester Fosse.

If they want to keep the name Leicester City then they should hold up a "C".

The cards will be attached to each seat at the 30,000-capacity stadium which is sold out for the game against Wimbledon.

Back to roots

An online vote on whether to change the name has been very close with Fosse slightly edging out City as the choice.

A consortium led by Leicester favourite Gary Lineker took over the club last week.

Changing names could cause all sorts of problems

The incoming chairman Jon Holmes then began a campaign to revert to Leicester Fosse - as the city's original team was known until 1919.

While many fans support a return to the club's roots, others are strongly opposed to the change.

One group which will vote against is made of regulars at the Two Triangles pub in Leicester.

They all have Leicester City tattooed on their arms and will have to have them changed or look outdated if the name change goes ahead.

One said: "It is totally wrong isn't it?

"I have to go through all that pain again to have this tattoo put back to what it should be but it already is what it should be - City.

I think what will make the difference for the club will be going forward positively

Phil Garton, marketing expert

"We are not a Fosse, we are a City, and I don't fancy having my arm done again - not at my age."

Marketing experts have also warned that a name change could cost a large business millions of pounds.

Phil Garton, a lecturer in marketing at De Montfort University, said: "It could make quite a lot of difference.

Half-time vote

"Most businesses that want to change their names think of carrying something for the future.

"So it is good to see the club is looking forward rather than looking at the heritage issues of Fosse.

"I think what will make the difference for the club will be going forward positively whatever choice the fans make."

Fans will be asked to vote at half-time during the game.