Kiwis Blow England Away to Draw Series

New Zealand were able to seize their advantage on the final day by bowling England out to win by 199 runs and was able to draw the two match series 1-1.

Brendan McCullum finished the happier of the two captains

The momentum between the two teams has swung various times throughout the succinct and frenetic series. After a thrilling victory at Lord's in the First Test, England seemed to be in the ascendancy when Alastair Cook won the toss and inserted New Zealand on a green seaming wicket. 

The crowd celebrate Anderson's 400th Test wicket

James Anderson had the Kiwis reeling at 2-2 when he had both Martin Guptil and Kane Williamson out for a duck. In doing so, the Burnley-born bowler became the eighth fast bowler in Test Cricket to pass 400 wickets.

The Kiwis responded by pushing themselves off the ropes and counter attacked by rattling on at almost five runs an over. 

Tom Latham was the constant in the top order as he saw his first five partners depart before New Zealand had reached 15. England would have hoped to have bowled the Kiwis out for less than 200 but Latham (84) was able to build a 120-run partnership with debutant Luke Ronchi who romped to 88 off 70 balls.

Stuart Broad was able to build on his success from pitching the ball up in the First Test and was able to get 5/109 off 17 overs but England were left frustrated as the Kiwi tail wagged. The final three wickets put on 85 runs thanks to Mark Craig (41 not out) and New Zealand were bowled out for 350 in just 72.1 overs.

Alistair Cook became the leading English Test run scorer

England were able to take advantage of better batting conditions on Day Two and Cook and Adam Lyth made an opening stand of 177 runs. Cook was able to pass the all time English Test top scorer of his mentor and coach, Graham Gooch before being given out LBW for 75.

Adam Lyth scores his maiden Test century at his home ground of Headingley

Lyth was able to build on his promise from last year's county season by scoring a maiden century at his home ground of Headingley. He had got his team in the strong position of 215-1 and England must have been envisaging a total of 500+ until Lyth (107) was called for a suicidal run by Gary Ballance.

This started a collapse that saw England lose seven wickets for 52 runs towards the end of Day Two. A hard, new ball was in the hands of Tim Southee and he was able to extract swing and seam under the floodlights of a gloomy early evening in Leeds.

New Zealand got themselves back into the match with the second new ball

Southee finished with figures of 4/83 off 30 overs but Broad was able to bring the scores level on the morning of Day Three until he became the last man out when he was bowled for 46.

New Zealand began their second innings looking to set a formidable total but their progress was checked by England who had them at 23/2 and then 141/4 when Guptil was out for 70 off 72 balls.

Brendan McCullum and BJ Walting were able to take the game from England once again with a 121-run partnership. Skipper McCullum got a circumspect 55 and his side had the initiative at 368/7 when Watling was eventually out for 120. The Kiwis then put on another 86 runs until McCullum called his players in for a declaration which set England 455 runs to win.

The Yorkshire weather had curtailed the first day and hopes of a frenetic England run chase were curtailed when the rain returned half way through Day Four. The rain was replaced with wind on Day Five but it was New Zealand who blew away England's defences.

Kane Williamson took 3/

England's openers had made a steady platform but a combination of spin bowling on a turning fifth day pitch and poor shot selection saw the top order stumble to 62-4. The only English resistance came from Cook (56) and Jos Buttler (73) and it was the wicketkeeper who was the final wicket to fall with 19.1 overs left in the match.

England's fifth day capitulation is disappointing but nothing should be taken away from a New Zealand team who have thoroughly deserved something out of this series due to their enterprising and aggressive form of cricket in which they won their first Test Match in England for 16 years.

It is a shame we are denied a final match decider with the series being originally planned as a warm-up for the Ashes series to come. Hopefully a future New Zealand tour of England won't be during an Ashes summer and the contest would be at least three matches long.

Mark Wood has justified his selection and should play in the Ashes

Although short, the series was able to answer a few questions posed at the beginning of the series and also poses others.

Alistair Cook was named England's Man of the Series 

Cook continues to improve in form as he passed 9,000 career Test runs, Stokes has proved to be a potent threat, Lyth and Wood have seized their chances whilst Broad has begun to take note of Anderson and is now bowling fuller.

Ian Bell is slow to react as an edge from Tim Southee flies threw the slips

The causes for concern for incoming coach, Trevor Bayliss, will be the woeful form of Ballance and Ian Bell, the lack of control from Moeen Ali's bowling and the dropped catches in the slip cordon.

Ballance's awkward foot work has resembled French Cricket

Ballance's foot work has been none existent whilst Bell has been tentative and he was unable to avoid the trap set at leg slip in the second innings at Headingley. Both have been guilty of being unbalanced as they stood up to attempt catches in the slips and the lack of communication between the slip fielders was further highlighted by New Zealand's exemplary fielding.

Ian Bell disappointing form continues with a top score of 29

Both batsmen will now go away to their counties and they will need to find some form before the Ashes begins. Ballance usually bats in the middle order for Yorkshire and England may be best suited by promoting Bell to three, Root at four and Ballance at five.

Moeen Ali has been rested from the upcoming ODI series to work on his game

Ali has shown that he is not a front line spinner and Rashid deserves a chance in the side. He will be able to stake a claim for a Test place in the upcoming five match One Day International (ODI) tournament against the Kiwis.

Broad and Anderson are amongst five players axed from ODI squad

England's Director of Cricket, Andrew Strauss, had spoken of different sides for the Test and ODI teams and the squad for the ODI series with New Zealand only contains four players who took part in the Test series. The omission of Anderson, Broad and Bell all but confirms the end of their ODI career.

The selectors will be hoping for players out of nick to improve on the county circuit whilst a successful ODI series will see others looking to put their hand up against the Aussies who await in just over five weeks time. 

Stoking the Fires of Victory

England have a new hero to challenge the Aussies after Ben Stokes powered his side to an 124-run victory against New Zealand at the First Test at Lords.

The Durham all-rounder had made a memorable start to his Test career back in 2014 when he scored a maiden Test century against the Australians at Perth and his pivotal influence at Lord's will make the Aussies sit up and notice once again.

Much of the build-up for the first Test of the English summer had been consumed with Andrew Strauss refusing to select Kevin Pietersen and the continued search for a new coach.

Recent form made New Zealand the Test Series favorites

A lackluster tour to the West Indies, coupled with the fact that they were facing a New Zealand team ranked Number Three in the world and fresh from a World Cup final, made England the underdogs at the beginning of the two-Test Series.

Test debuts were awarded to opener, Adam Lyth, and bowler, Mark Wood, and the match started dubiously for England after they lost the toss on a green seaming wicket and were restricted to 30-4.

Root and Stokes 161-run partnership rescued England's first innings

Ben Stokes came together with Joe Root and they both counter-attacked with a 161-run partnership to rescue a first innings total.

Stokes finished eight runs short of a century and Root (98) also departed in the nervous 90s.

Buttler (67) and Moeen Ali (58) also put together a 100-run partnership before Buttler fell at the end of a hectic first day.

England were able to put on 35 runs at the start of Day Two before being bowled out for 389, which was at least 50 runs short of a challenging first innings total. Trent Boult was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with 4/79.

England wicket keeper Jos Buttler takes a superb diving catch off Taylor 

The total certainly didn't look challenging when New Zealand were 148/0 but the two quick wickets of Martin Guptil (70) and Tom Latham (59) brought Ross Taylor to the wicket. Taylor seemed to be hampered by injury but ably assisted Kane Willamson to a 189-run partnership before getting out for 62 when he was superbly caught down the leg side by Buttler.

Williamson's knock of 132 comes to an end as he is caught at short leg

New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum (42) nudged his team ahead of England and Williamson departed for 132. Wicket-keeper, BJ Watling, played with the tail for an unbeaten 61 as his team were bowled out for 523 and were 134 runs ahead.

Bell's miserable game totaled 30 runs from two knocks and two dropped catches

England's bowlers rued missed chances as Mark Wood was denied his first England wicket when he over stepped on the front foot and was penalised for a no-ball. Ian Bell dropped two catches at second slip off Stokes in what would be a forgetful game for the Warwickshire batsman.

The wickets were eventually shared around with three-apiece for Stuart Broad, Wood and Ali.

Debutant Adam Lyth is caught at slip after a flurry of boundaries

England's response didn't start well as Lyth's unlucky first innings dismissal was followed by him fishing outside off stump and edging to the slip cordon for 12. Ballance was unable to recreate his form in the Caribbean as he was out for a duck to go with his single-run score in the first innings. 

Bell was able to improve on his single run in the first innings but was dismissed on the third ball of the third day for 29.

Cook continued to play with more fluency and was ably assisted by Joe Root (84) for a 158-run partnership which brought England a slight lead of 98.

Certain players can take the game away from the opposition in a single session and can bring the fans flocking to the stands. Ben Stokes did just that on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Cook congratulates Stokes on his historic century

Cook watched on in admiration as Stokes took on the Kiwis, specifically Tim Southee, when he cut, pulled, hooked and drove the bowler around the ground. Stokes' willingness to take on the opposition endeared him to the Lords' faithful and he became the quickest player to reach a Test Match Hundred at the Home of Cricket, taking just 85 balls to reach three figures.

Stokes' aggressive stroke play has earned him many fans

England over the past 18 months have earned a reputation of being aloof from the public, with a lack of players that the casual viewer can identify with. The modern game craves entertainment value that an Andy Flintoff or a Kevin Pietersen could bring and it seems Stokes is the man to inherit the 'box-office' tag.

Cook return to form is complete as he scored his second century in two games

The momentum had firmly shifted in England's favour when Stokes was out for 101 and Cook brought up his 150 before Buttler was out for 14 with England having a lead of 292 going into the final day.

Thoughts of a declaration quickly disappeared as New Zealand wrapped up the English innings within the first hour of the day. Cook (162) and Ali (43) soon fell and England were bowled out for 478 to set the Kiwis 345 runs to win with 77 overs left in the day.

Lower ticket prices brought 20,000 spectators into Lord's for the final day

England's quest to win started in the best possible way as James Anderson and Broad got the openers out for ducks to leave the Kiwis 0-2. Taylor (12) soon departed to leave New Zealand 12-3.

Stokes was unlucky to be wicketless in the first innings but produced a spell which turned the game in England's favour once again. He had Williamson caught at slip for 27 and then produced a beautiful delivery which nipped back, cramped McCullum for room and bowled the Kiwi skipper for a golden duck.

Stokes was on a hat-trick but the 20,000 fans packed in to Lords (following a cut in ticket prices) couldn't will their hero to get another wicket from the next ball.

Wood impressed on debut and opened the door to the Kiwi tail

New Zealand seemed to be digging in for the draw with Watling (59) and Corey Anderson sharing an 107-run partnership but Cook remained patient and Wood was able to nip one away from Watling who couldn't avoid gloving a ball which reared towards his helmet.

Cook's bowling changes worked again when Root got Anderson out LBW for 67. England could now sense victory and Stokes bowled Mark Craig for 4.

Ali bowled the next ball from the other end and instantly got the wicket of Southee (20) after he was caught and bowled by the spinner.

Anderson still awaits his 400th Test Wicket

The match entered its final hour with England needing one last wicket and Cook continued to rotate his bowlers. Anderson was unable to claim his 400 Test Wicket when the ball flew through a vacant wide slip position. Cook looked to plug the gap by moving Stokes from point but the ball then flew in the air where Stokes had been the ball before.

Ali's team mates rush to celebrate his catch on the boundary

New Zealand had 58 balls remaining to survive when Broad looked to cut the angle by going around the wicket to Boult who steered the ball over the slips and down to third man. His shot got a top edge and Ali came round to take a fantastic catch by the boundary to seal the win.

Cook must be relieved to finally put the Kevin Pietersen saga to bed

The character England have shown in this game has been refreshing and Stokes attitude is much needed in a team that has too often avoided taking the initiative in the past 18 months.

New Zealand have often had the advantage in this match but have been overcome by a battling England side. The two teams, although with contrasting players, are quite evenly matched and McCullum will have to try and rally his team before the final match of the series begins on Friday at Headingley.

The England team celebrate a well-earned victory

England have won a well-earned victory but there are still improvements to be made including missed catches and Bell's lack of form.

Australian Trevor Bayliss is set to become the next England coach

The day also included the news that Trevor Bayliss is the preferred candidate to become England head coach. The coaching partnership of Bayliss and current caretaker, Paul Fairbrace, took Sri Lanka to the World Cup final and it remains to be seen whether they can bring further success to the England team.

Its the Pits For Hamilton and Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton's hopes of a first win at Monaco in seven years was dealt a cruel blow by a disastrous strategy call which gifted Nico Rosberg his third consecutive win at the street circuit.

Hamilton had controlled the race from the start

Hamilton had been in total control of the race and was 15 seconds ahead of his Mercedes team-mate going into the final 15 laps.

The race was then turned on it's head when Max Verstappen crashed out and brought out the safety car.

Verstappen was fighting back into a point-paying position after an earlier lengthy pitstop and was cleverly using Sebastian Vettel as he passed through the back-markers to gain positions.

Vettel had come up to pass Romain Grosjean at the Fairmont Hairpin and Grosjean was aware of Verstappen's tactics thanks to radio communications. Grosjean took the inside line into the hairpin, forcing Vettel to pass him around the outside and close the door on Verstappen.

The 17 year old Dutchman was on softer tyres and was looking to get past Grosjean's Lotus going into the first corner. Grosjean braked early and Verstappen didn't react in time to avoid him. Verstappen ran into Grosjean's right rear and gathered speed as he clipped the curb before burying the front nose cone into the barrier.

Verstappen's collision with Grosjean brought out the pivotal safety car

The crash initially led to a Virtual Safety Car period but the actual safety car was quickly dispatched from the pit lane. Jenson Button had a nice cushion to ninth place, Felipe Nasr, and pitted for new tyres. Mercedes also thought Hamilton had a big enough cushion to pit and called him in.

Hamilton, who had earned his first Monaco GP pole position a day before, had reported that his tyres were losing temperature and was called in for a new set. Mercedes had expected Ferrari to pit Vette but, with a lengthy safety car period and the finish line in sight, Vettel was never going to change tyres.

Lewis Hamilton (left) came out of the pits in third

Rosberg hadn't seen Hamilton pit and was surprised to be the first one behind the safety car. He looked in his mirrors to see Vettel and Hamilton wheel-to-wheel up the hill but the second Mercedes car had to yield to the Ferrari after Vettel had crossed the safety car line moments before.

Triple consecutive Monaco winners: Rosberg, Prost, Graham Hill & Senna 

Hamilton was on quicker tyres compared to the two cars in front but the tight nature of the Monaco track prevented him from making any gains. Rosberg must have been grinning from ear-to-ear as he drove down the final few laps and won to become only the fourth driver to win three consecutive Monaco GPs.

This year's truimph is, however, a hollow victory, but the result now sees him cut the deficit to 10 points between him and championship leader, Hamilton. The result ensures that the season is now more closely poised since previously thought after Rosberg trailed his team mate by 27 points after Bahrain.

Third place trophy is little consolation for Hamilton 

Rosberg won last time around in Spain after Hamilton's slow start and an even slower pit-stop forced him to pit one extra time than Rosberg. It still remains to be seen whether the German can beat Hamilton this season in a straight fight.

Hamilton had earlier said to his pit crew that "we've lost this haven't we guys" and the desolated Hamilton momentarily stopped at Poitiers during the parade lap to gather his thoughts and to possibly avoid the parc femme celebrations of Rosberg and his crew.

With this being the cramped confines of Monte Carlo, Hamilton was unable to avoid Rosberg's jubilations as the cars stopped on the start and finish straight. Hamilton's frustrations were clear to see as he didn't stop in time to avoid hitting the third place sign which ironically toppled over towards the finish line.

Hamilton's despair on the podium was evident

His time on the podium allowed Hamilton to gather his thoughts for the post race interview where he professionally answered Martin Brundle's questions by saying that he races together with the team and that he will just have to go and win the next one.

Rosberg won his second consecutive race of the season at Monaco

Such a statement shouldn't be taken lightly by Rosberg as Hamilton will have the wick turned up when he returns to Canada and races on the track where he got his first F1 career victory eight years ago.

In the meantime, Toto Wolff, Nikki Lauda and Paddy Lowe will have to preside over another team inquest after the Brackley based team have once again shot themselves in the foot.

McLaren were back in the points with Button's 8th place

A much happier team down the pitlane will be McLaren. Monaco was targeted by the team as being an ideal opportunity to get their first points of the season due to the deficiencies of their Honda engine being less of a hinderance at the street circuit.

Button was on course to make it into Q3 of qualifying for the first time this season but was prevented by yellow flags being waved at the start of his final hot lap. Grid penalties for Grosjean and Carlos Sainz saw Button start the race in 10th and drove confidently to finish in 8th. 

Alonso looks on at another retirement

Fellow McLaren driver, Fernando Alonso, had an eventful start after nudging Nico Hulkenberg into the barrier and was later penalised with an extended pit stop. The two-time World Champion was running in the points when a gearbox issue brought his race to an end.

The Renault powered Red Bulls improved to finish behind the podium with Daniil Kyvat in fourth and Daniel Ricciardo in fifth. Kimi Raikkonen had a forgettable day to finish sixth whilst Sergio Perez drove well for seventh place. Sauber's Felipe Nasr and Torro Rosso's Carlos Sainz rounded out the top 10.

Traffic proved to be an issue as the leaders came through the pack

Despite the safety car coming in with less than 10 laps to go, both Manor drivers and Felipe Massa's Williams were lapped by Rosberg.

It was a day to forget for Williams as Valteri Bottas finished a place ahead of Massa in 14th whilst Hulkenberg (11th) and Grosjean (12th) were prevented from winning points after falling victim to poor decisions other drivers. Sauber's Marcus Ericson finished behind them in 13th place.

Alonso sent Hulkenberg into the barriers but the German recovered

Monaco is a circuit that requires consideration at all times as one simple mistake can catch you out. These mistakes are usually punished by the driver hitting the barrier but the blow Hamilton received as he came out of the pits in third would have been just as painful.

Last year showed that Hamilton is able to overcome adversity but I feel, without assistance, 10 points is as close as Rosberg can get to Hamilton.

Drivers' Standings after Round 6 of 19:

1. Lewis Hamilton       126 points
2. Nico Rosberg           116
3. Sebatian Vettel        98
4. Kimi Raikkonen        60
5. Valtteri Bottas         42
6. Felipe Massa            39
7. Daniel Ricciardo       35 
8. Daniil Kyvat             17
9. Felipe Nasr              16
= Romain Grosjean       16
11. Sergio Perez           11
12. Carlos Sainz Jr.       9
13. Nico Hulkenberg      6
= Max Verstappen          6
15. Marcus Ericsson       5
16. Jenson Button         4

Constructor's Standings after Round 6 of 19:

1. Mercedes        242 Points
2. Ferrari            158
3. Williams          81
4. Red Bull          52
5. Sauber            21
6. Force India      17
7. Lotus              16
8. Torro Rosso     14
9. McLaren          4

The Greatest Escape

"It is the sworn duty of all officers to try to escape. If they cannot escape, then it is their sworn duty to...harass the enemy to the best of their ability." Ramsay - The Great Escape (1963).

Many had written Leicester City's season off when they were seven points adrift of safety but yesterday's gritty 0-0 draw away at Sunderland ensured the Foxes would play in the Premier League next season with a game to spare.

Safe pair of hands - Kasper Schmeichel joins in the team's celebrations

Having been rooted at the bottom of the table for 141 days between November 2014 and April 2015, Leicester spurred into life, earning 19 points from a maximum of 24, that turned City's season around. The Foxes had mustered the same amount of points across the previous 30 matches in a frustrating and torturous season.

The quality of football played by Nigel Pearson's men in the middle of the pitch hadn't warranted their lowly position but a combination of lack of taking chances in front of goal and being punished at the back resulted in them being bottom of the league at Christmas.

A parody film poster of the 1963 war film that is synonymous with City's 2014/15 season 

Only two teams in the 23 year history of the Premier League had previously survived from such a position which was coined as the 'Great Escape'. West Brom became the first "Escapees" in the 2004-05 season and the 1960s war-film theme tune was ringing out last year when Sunderland avoided the Championship trap door last year. 

Leicester now become the third "Escapee" team but the Foxes efforts must mean that this is the Greatest Escape.

How did City turn around a season of such contrasting two halves? The answers are found in the MANAGER, his PLAYERS and the FANS.

MANAGER

Nigel Pearson, love him or loathe him, or as he said so himself, "like him or lump him", is one of Leicester's most influential managers.

Pearson (centre left) holds aloft the Championship trophy in 1995

His no-nonsense personality was shown on the pitch when he captained Middlesbrough to Premier League promotion and finals in the FA Cup and League Cup. I was in the stands at Wembley (and at Hillsborough for the replay) when Pearson's Boro hardly fought and lost against City in the League Cup final.

After hanging up his boots, Pearson went into management with Carlisle where goalkeeper, Johnny Glass, scored to keep them in the Football League. Pearson was part of West Brom's coaching staff in that 2004/05 season before coming to Leicester after being relegated into the third tier of English football for the first time.

Pearson managed most of the 2013/14 season from the stands 

City immediately returned to the Championship but owner-politics saw Pearson leave to manage Hull before returning to Leicester in 2011. Pearson's team were crowned Championship champions in 2014 in a season where Pearson viewed his teams from high in the stands and instructed his deputy, Craig Shakespeare, to marshal from the touchline in an outstanding season.

Staying in the stands was just one of Pearson's tactics that brought criticism from some fans and media with the incessant calls for Pearson's sacking from BBC Radio Leicester's Ian Stringer led to the local radio station being denied access to the only Premier League manager in the East Midlands.

Leicester fast-paced start to the Premier League campaign peaked in the incredible 5-3 victory at home to Manchester United and Pearson then changed tactics. Instead of attacking teams at the beginning of a game, City were guilty of showing teams too much respect by sitting back and absorbing pressure. This defensive mindset became frustrating when the strikers couldn't take their chances when they eventually came.

These frustrations boiled over when a fan shouting abuse at Pearson got some back from the City manager. Pearson later apologised but his actions continued to polarise opinion - passionate and devoted or arrogant and beligerant?

In a season where most teams battling for survival changed their managers, Pearson's second tenure at City looked to be at an end in early February.

Leicester's 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace was overshadowed by Pearson grabbing Palace's James MacArthur by the throat after MacArthur unintentional clattered into Pearson along the touchline.

Pearson's tangle with James MacArthur led many to call for him to be sacked

Reports in the media the next day indicated Pearson would be sacked but the club announced Pearson was to stay after the manager had met with City's Thai owners. If Pearson was to be sacked during the season - the time had now passed - as a streak of 13 games without a win toward the end of 2014 would have been more justifiable in letting Pearson go.

Pearson looked to add to his squad in the January transfer window and signed Robert Huth on loan from Stoke, veteran goalkeeper (and former Boro team mate) Mark Schwarzer and Croatian striker Andrej Kramaric for a club record signing of £9.5 Million.

Schwarzer was signed as goalkeeping cover for City's injured Number One, Kasper Schmeichel, but Pearson's decision to field Schwarzer instead of second choice keeper, Ben Hamer, brought more criticism. 

Schwarzer's fumble saw Leicester out of the FA Cup

Hamer was playing well, getting twice as many clean sheets as Schmeichel had at the time but was replaced by Schwarzer, whose poor distribution and lack of control reached its zenith against Aston Villa where he bundled the ball over the line which led to City's exit of the FA Cup.

Schmeichel's return to the team coincided with a change of tactics from Pearson. With their backs against the wall, it was all or nothing for City and  change in formation allowed City to attack from the beginning of every game. The extra pace was coupled with pressuring teams high up the pitch which denied the likes of Swansea and West Brom to play their natural game.

Pearson's temperament was called in to question again when his post match press conference after the 3-1 loss to Chelsea led to the manager calling a reporter an "idiot" and, bizarrely, an "ostrich".

Nigel Pearson's leadership was rewarded with Manager of the Month

Yet, his ability to bring his players together and inspire them to win against the odds was rewarded when he was made Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for April. That astonishing month turned City's season around and allowed the Foxes to escape relegation a week before the season ends.

Pearson celebrates his team' safety with Jamie Vardy

In typical fashion, Pearson kept his feet firmly on the ground by saying that City hadn't won anything, despite the celebrations at the Stadium of Light. There may not be any shiny new cups in Leicester's trophy cabinet at the end of the season but the Foxes have indeed won something this year. They have won the respect of many, including both casual and devoted football fans alike. 

PLAYERS

There can often be a gulf between the quality of players between the Championship and the Premier League. The Championship winning side of 2013/14 would always be fighting with new signings for starting places and players like Anthony Knockeart were unable to start regularly.

Cambiasso (second from left) proved to be an inspired signing

Th summer signings included two Argentinians, Leonardo Ulloa and Esteban Cambiasso, whilst winger Marc Albrighton joined from Aston Villa and goalkeeper Ben Hamer came from Charlton. Ulloa got a dream start, scoring five goals in the first five games and Leicester's early season promise reached its peak in the legendary victory against Manchester Utd.

Filbert Fox hugs Ulloa during the 5-3 victory against Man Utd

The sun on the King Power Stadium that day in a match that showed how great, and how frail, Leicester were. Surging forward with pace, Leicester were unstoppable with Vardy leading the way, whilst a slack defence allowed three goals to be scored, many of them scrappy.

Wes Morgan was wrongly penalised for the ball hitting his face

Pearson was unable to settle on a consistent line-up and the results showed with Leicester propping up the table from November onwards through the end of the year. The new year brought better performances but Leicester continued to be punished for not taking advantages of the chances that came their way. Lady luck also wasn't on City's side as the horrendous penalty decisions at Anfield on New Year's Day showed.

Robert Huth's loan spell proved to be influential

The January transfer window brought Robert Huth into the team and his decade-long experience in the Premier League was invaluable and his knowledge rubbed off on club captain, Wes Morgan, and fellow central defender, Marcin Wasilewski. Leicester should have signed another left back instead of Schwarzer as Paul Konchesky was a yard short of pace and susceptible to losing his man at the top level.

Mahrez impressed before losing form after returning from the African Cup of Nations

The pace of wingers Jeff Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez were noticeable and soon led to international call-ups for the upcoming African Cup of Nations but Schlupp's injury prevented him from making the final Ghanan squad. Mahrez played for Algeria but his form dipped when he returned from the tournament and was no longer a first team pick.

City continued to put in strong performances without reward and the 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal saw Pearson play 5 at the back. This defence formation was then changed to a more aggressive one in the second half as City went looking for the win. The tactics were understandable against a top team but brought consternation when played against lesser teams, including Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fifth Round, to little success.

Jeff Schlupp continues to grow as a left back

With five at the back, Schlupp was restricted in a defensive style but when Pearson allowed the wing backs to push further up the field in the second half against West Brom, the team played much better.

Marc Albrighton brought an extra dimension with his precision

Albrighton seized his chance after spending most of the season on the bench and was able to whip in a number of decent crosses into the box. Cambiasso had now become accustomed to English football and was a commanding presence in midfield.

Nugent and Vardy rekindled their Championship success

The strike duo of Vardy and David Nugent had been central to Leicester's success in the Championship and they linked up again with great success in the 2-2 away draw to Everton. Nugent's injury allowed Mahrez to return to the team and he responded by scoring twice in the 2-0 home victory against Southampton.

Leicester's phenomenal end of season form was typified by the team's incessant need to attack from the off, pressuring opponents into making mistakes and prevent them from playing their natural style of play. The pace in City's play continued throughout the whole 90 minutes and was spearheaded by Vardy whose tenacity frustrated and bewildered defenders.

Will Vardy's amazing season be rewarded with an England call-up?

This pace was also sustained by the passion of the loyal 'Blue Army' who became City's 12th man.

FANS

Despite Pearson's spate with an abuse fan, the fans were mainly supportive to Pearson and the players, thanks to the strong performances the team put in week-in week-out without rewards. 

The fans knew that City' luck was due to change but you have to create your luck and the Blue Army soon got behind the team. The unique design of the King Power Stadium allows for the stands to visibly shake and TV cameras situated on the gantry would usually bounce to the noise of the Blue Army. The fervent support shown at the 'KP' was obvious to the many TV and radio commentators who came to a sold out ground each week.

The message delivered by the fans was heard loud and clear

Those who didn't want to join in the creative songs about Ulloa, Cambiasso and Vardy were still able to make a noise with the clappers that also bore the message 'Foxes Never Quit- #fearless'.

Thousands of Leicester away fans celebrated Jamie Vardy's winner  

It wasn't just at the KP that the Blue Army made such a great noise with away games seeming like the home supporters were in the minority. This was shown when Jamie Vardy scored in front of the away fans at the Hawthorns or when the team came over to the away stand at Turf Moor to thank the support of the Blue Army.

The players were greeted with a giant fox formed in the stands

Those who made the trip to Sunderland were rewarded with a free breakfast by the club owners whilst the returned QPR tickets for the final game of the season were quickly snapped up. With the Premier League status safe for another year - there will be quite a party at the KP next Sunday for the final game of the season that may see many supporters throw a 'sickie' from work on Monday morning!

So what now for Pearson, his men and the Blue Army?

The summer should see additions to the squad that can look to aim for a mid-table finish next year but Pearson's first aim for the team will be to once again avoid the drop.

Match day programme from the first City game I attended

My time as a City fan over the past 20+ years has seen many ups and downs. I watched my first City game at FIlbert Street 20 years ago this month when Mark McGhee's already-relegated side held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.

The one guarantee of being a City fan is that its a roller coaster ride - from the depths of Levein and Holloway to the highs of the O'Neill days. But this season has had it all and it leaves us all saying:

'WE LOVE YOU LEICESTER, WE DO, OH LEICESTER WE LOVE YOU!'