Foxes Hunting Glory
Andy Greeves talks to TV presenter and Leicester City supporter Manish Bhasin about his beloved club's incredible season to date.
11 April, 2016
It is a reflection on just how successful a season Leicester City have had when broadcaster and lifelong Foxes supporter Manish Bhasin has had to face ludicrous accusations on social media of being a 'glory supporter'.
"It makes me laugh and slightly offends me that I've been accused of being a new, glory-hunting Leicester City fan," he smiles "I can remember being in the East Stand at Filbert Street in 1991 during the season we finished 22nd in the old Division Two. I was also there when we were playing in the third tier of English football as recently as the 2008-2009 and have been there for all the ups and downs before and since. One thing is for sure, during all of those experiences I certainly never thought I'd hear the words 'Leicester City' and 'glory hunter' in the same sentence!"
The tale of Leicester's incredible twelve months is well-known across the football world. On April 2, 2015, the Foxes were bottom of the Barclays Premier League table only to rally to and put together a run of seven wins from their last nine fixtures to avoid relegation last season. At the time of writing, they are now only four victories in the 2015-16 campaign away from claiming arguably the most unlikely title success in the history of English football.
"People talk about this (Leicester winning the Premier League) as a once in a lifetime opportunity but I think they are understating it," laughs Bhasin. "This is a one in a five lifetimes' scenario as far as I can see! Every day I ask myself 'what is it about this unlikely group of players that sees us come together so well and turn the form book upside down?' Do you know what though, I'd rather just sit back, enjoy it and not over analyse it.
"I know on paper, we are very close to winning the title, but I'm still not taking anything for granted. I'm not judging this current Leicester team but just my experiences of following the club over the decades and Leicester feel like the unluckiest team ever! We have lost four out of four FA Cup Finals and we are known for our unpredictable ending to seasons. There's even single games that make me shudder, like thinking about that Watford (Championship) play-off semi final (May 12, 2013) a few seasons back when we literally went from a place at Wembley to being knocked out in the last minute of the match. We've been a yo-yo club between divisions and there was the relegation to League One not that long ago either and a period in administration. I still, through my years of experience, just worry we could still throw it away right at the end."
While Manish won't be popping the champagne corks until Claudio Ranieri's men fulfil what most observers now expect and claim the Premier League title, he cannot hold back his words of admiration for the Foxes class of 2015-16.
"This season has left me speechless, excitable and in a state of disbelief to be honest," he comments. "For the major feel good story in English football this season, indeed for many season, to be my club… well, it's just incredible. Little old Leicester who just can't seem to put a foot wrong. We've even had Jamie Vardy scoring two goals for England recently, Danny Drinkwater winning Man of the Match on his international debut. If ever there was a pinch yourself time to be a Leicester City fan, this had to be it.
"The owners (Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his son and vice-chairman Aiyawatt) have to get a big mention for the fantastic work they have done too. There were questions when they sacked Nigel Pearson but to bring in a manager (Claudio Ranieri) who many, including myself, were unsure about and to see him go on to get the results he has… well, they deserve all the success they will hopefully get. They have not put a foot wrong in what they have done at Leicester - they are brilliant."
Born in Leicester on May 21, 1976, Bhasin began his career with BBC Radio Leicester. In 2004, he became the youngster regular host of the BBC's Football Focus programme and more recently presented the broadcaster's Football League Show. While still involved with the BBC's FA Cup coverage, this season his main career focus has been on his work with Premier League Productions. The role sees Manish present six programmes on the Premier League to some 450 million households in 180 nations and territories and on Saturdays he is a live touchline reporter from one of the division's big matches.
"I have been very fortunate to have seen about 75% of Leicester matches this season," continues Manish. "What timing eh?! If ever there was a season to be devoting myself to Premier League coverage, it would be this one."
His pitch side position at the King Power Stadium has allowed Manish to fully appreciate the level of support for Leicester City on match days. Even rival fans that have visited the venue this season have been blown away by the levels of support for the Foxes, with a goal against Norwich City there recently causing a mini-earthquake that registered 0.3 on the seismometer!
"The atmosphere at the King Power has been on another level," says Bhasin. "Every game has been a sell out. The big thing is what the players are doing on the pitch, but clearly the fans are totally on board with this team. The Foxes' story has captivated the whole town.
"Each game, clappers have been issued to the supporters. At other clubs, that has been seen as a bit gimmicky but it has totally worked at Leicester. The fans start getting a beat going with them before the game and by the time the players walk out on the pitch, it seems almost gladiatorial. If the hairs on the back of your neck don't stand up for that, then you're not human!"
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