Former Cowes High School student Gary Rowett was appointed Leicester City manager yesterday (18th February), sealing a dramatic return to the club he once represented as a player.
Rowett is back at Leicester City – this time in the dugout – with the Foxes turning to the experienced Championship operator as they look to stay in the division amidst a turbulent season.
Rowett, 51, wore the blue shirt between 2000 and 2002 during a solid professional career that also included lengthy spells with Derby County and Birmingham City. A tough, tactically aware right-back, he built a reputation on reliability and organisation rather than flashiness – traits that have followed him into management.
His coaching journey began at Burton Albion, where he delivered promotion from League Two and laid the foundations for the club’s climb up the Football League. Further spells at Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City, Millwall and Oxford United cemented his status as one of the Championship’s most pragmatic and structured managers – a man known for drilling sides to be disciplined, compact and difficult to beat.
Rowett’s story, however, includes a chapter on the Isle of Wight. His father, Eric Rowett, served as governor of Camp Hill prison, bringing the family to the Island during Gary’s youth. He attended Solent Middle School before moving on to Cowes High School, where his footballing talent quickly stood out.
As a teenager he featured in a national schools’ cup final at Goodison Park – performing on one of English football’s grandest stages long before signing professional forms. Scouts were watching, and his pathway into the professional game soon followed.
In announcing the appointment, Rowett said:
“I’m really proud to be the new Leicester City manager and to have the opportunity to work with and lead a really talented group over the coming months. It’s very clear to us all what needs to be achieved between now and the end of the season and the work begins immediately.”
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Leicester’s hierarchy will hope that blend of experience, organisation and steel – qualities forged across decades in the EFL – can now bring stability to the King Power Stadium.
Rowett’s first game will see the Foxes travel to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday lunchtime.
