Filbert Street Final Season
The triumphant farewell at the historic ground that shaped a century of Foxes football.
The 2001-02 season at Filbert Street represents a bittersweet chapter in Leicester City's history, marking the final year of play at their beloved home ground before moving to the King Power Stadium. It was a season defined by farewell rather than triumph, serving as the backdrop for relegation from the Premier League.
- Season
- 2001-02
- Final Match Date
- April 26, 2003
- Opponent in Final Home Game
- Norwich City
Lore & Background
The atmosphere during this final season was a mix of nostalgia and sorrow. With the club having been relegated from the Premier League the previous season, expectations were high for an immediate bounce back. The crowd's passion never wavered, creating an intimidating fortress for visiting teams as the team on the pitch secured promotion. The final home game against Norwich City became a ceremonial send-off, with banners unfurled and songs sung that would soon be silenced in this specific location.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the old turf of Filbert Street as the clock ticked toward the end of the match against Reading. In the stands, an elderly fan clutched his program from a game fifty years prior, tears mixing with the drizzle on his face. The players, sensing the magnitude of the moment, pushed harder in their final minutes at this hallowed ground. As the referee blew the final whistle, a collective roar rose from the crowd—not of victory, but of gratitude for a home that had sheltered them through every storm.
Reader's Guide
The season began with Nigel Pearson still at the helm following relegation, but results were poor as the team struggled to adapt to Championship football. By October, pressure mounted and Micky Adams was appointed in an attempt to stabilize the ship. Adams' tenure was short-lived; despite a brief upturn in form, he was dismissed in December after a string of defeats left the club in a precarious position. Craig Shakespeare took over as manager, bringing a sense of calm that eventually helped the team avoid relegation. Throughout these managerial changes, the focus remained on preserving the club's identity while preparing for the move to the King Power Stadium. The final months saw the team secure their league status, allowing fans to celebrate the end of an era with pride rather than despair.
Did You Know?
- Filbert Street hosted Leicester City matches for over a century before the club moved in 2002.
- The final home game at Filbert Street was against Norwich City on April 26, 2003.
- Micky Adams was the manager throughout this transition season, appointed in October 2001.
- Leicester City finished 2nd in the First Division in 2002-03, securing promotion back to the Premier League for the 2003-04 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Filbert Street Final Season' in Leicester City history?
This term refers to the 2015-16 campaign, which was actually the club's first season at their new King Power Stadium after moving from Filbert Street. The historic ground concluded its century-long tenure as the Foxes' home during the previous 2014-15 season.
Who managed Leicester City during the transition period around this era?
Micky Adams took charge in October 2015 but was dismissed just two months later, paving the way for Craig Shakespeare to take over as manager. This managerial instability occurred while the team fought to establish itself following a difficult relegation battle.
How did Leicester City perform in the league during this specific season?
The Foxes finished 17th in the Championship table, securing their safety with a solid but unspectacular performance. The campaign served as a stabilization phase rather than an immediate push for promotion back to the Premier League.
When was the final match played at Filbert Street before the move?
The last competitive game at the old stadium took place on May 8, 2016, marking the emotional end of an era that spanned over a hundred years. This farewell event celebrated the club's deep roots in Leicester before fully embracing their new identity.
Why is this period considered bittersweet for fans?
It represents a painful transition where the beloved historic ground was left behind while the club struggled to find its footing under new leadership. Despite the mixed results, it honored the legacy of Filbert Street as the foundation of Foxes football.
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