MICHAEL APPLETON has left Oxford to become Leicester’s assistant manager.
The U’s boss has agreed to swap the Kassam Stadium to reunite with Craig Shakespeare at the King Power Stadium.
The pair worked together at West Brom’s Academy for five years before Shakespeare left to take over as Nigel Pearson’s No.2 at Leicester almost six years ago.
Compensation for Oxford and Appleton’s personal terms were agreed earlier this week as SunSport reported and the 41-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year-deal last night.
Appleton has a wealth of experience having managed Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United, where he has spent the last three years.
But the opportunity to return to the Premier League with Shakespeare was too hard to resist and the duo will pair up again for the Foxes’ trip to Hong Kong for the Premier League Asia Trophy next month.
Shakespeare said: “I am delighted the Club have been able to bring a coach of Michael’s standing to Leicester City. At West Bromwich Albion it quickly became clear he possessed all the qualities and the integrity required to enjoy a successful coaching career.
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“Over the course of his three years at Oxford United, he has been acknowledged by many as one of the most talented and knowledgeable coaches in English football.”
Appleton has steered Oxford to consecutive Football League Trophy Finals over the past two seasons and knocked Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United out of the FA Cup, thumping the eventual Championship winners 3-0 in the fourth round.
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