Bassett becomes Foxes boss

Bassett knows he has to boost morale quickly

Dave Bassett has been appointed Leicester City manager, and Micky Adams has been brought in as his assistant.

The former Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United boss has signed a contract to keep him at Filbert Street until 2003, with Adams contracted till 2004.

Bassett told BBC Sport Online: "I'm delighted to get the opportunity to return to football.

"It's obviously a challenge, they are bottom of the league, but the target is to remain in the Premiership.

"It's excellent to have Micky beside me."

I haven't had a chance to talk to the players about morale but what has gone on before is history

Dave Bassett

Leicester chairman John Elsom made a formal approach to his Brighton counterpart, Dick Knight, seeking permission to speak to Adams.

The pair have worked together before at Nottingham Forest, where Adams took over as caretaker manager following Bassett's dismissal in 1999.

Bassett was in the directors' box at Chelsea's Worthington Cup tie with Coventry.

That sparked rumours that the 56-year-old was on a scouting mission for his new club.

Bassett, a BBC Sport Online columnist, will face a mammoth task to revive City's fortunes.

They are currently lying bottom of the Premiership with only one victory in eight games.

And a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Leeds in the Worthington Cup on Tuesday will have further demoralised the club.

Bassett added: "I haven't had a chance to talk to the players about morale but what has gone on before is history now.

"It will be necessary for me to pick up morale and it needs someone to motivate the players.

"I've no preconceived ideas about what we'll talk about but it's up to the players to make a start on Saturday against Chelsea."