Leicester City suffer second key departure in two days

Loans manager Guy Branston has left Leicester City.

Branston has returned to his former career as a football intermediary after spending the best part of five years at the club.

The former central defender came through the academy ranks with City as a player and became a regular for the reserves, though left in 1999 without making a professional appearance.

"After nearly five years working with many great people at Leicester City, the time has come to move on," Branston announced on social media. "The club has been a massive part of mine and my family's life and I will always appreciate the time I spent there."

After a year working as an academy coach, Branston was appointed loans manager for the under-18 and under-23 teams in December 2018.

He oversaw a number of successful loan spells for City youngsters, including Harvey Barnes at West Brom, Ben Chilwell at Huddersfield and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Luton.

The 43-year-old has now joined renowned agency OmniSports, whose clientele includes Chris Smalling and Joe Hart.

Before Branston took up the role, City's inaugural loan manager was former midfielder Dean Hammond - who also worked with the under-23 players as a mentor.

Given the club have given the role to two former players in the past, it is likely they will look to go down the same path again.

Sean St Ledger, who already works for the club as a senior scout, could take up the role - while a return for Hammond is also possible.

Branston's departure comes after City announced the departure of their Head of Senior Player Recruitment, Lee Congerton.

Congerton has joined Serie A club Atalanta on a permanent basis after just under three years on Filbert Way.