Leicester City set to finish build-up against Spanish side Real Valladolid
Leicester City will round off their pre-season build-up with a high-profile friendly against La Liga side Real Valladolid.
The match will take place at the Walkers Stadium on Sunday, August 2, with a 3pm kick-off.
The Spanish club, once managed by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, finished 15th in the table for the second successive season after being promoted to the top flight in 2007. The match will be City's sixth before the big Championship kick-off against Swansea City at the Walkers Stadium on Saturday. August 8.
It will be the strongest test of City's pre-season programme and should provide manager Nigel Pearson's men with a fitting conclusion to their build-up.
City chairman Milan Mandaric wanted to show his appreciation to the fans for their support last season by bringing in prestigious opponents.
He said: "It is a going to serve two purposes, firstly to give our manager and the team a good test against a good, skilful team from the top flight in Spain.
"Also, it will allow our supporters to see the quality of the team they will be getting behind in the very important season ahead. They will be able to see all the new players and the way they are gelling into what we hope will be a very competitive team."
Ticket information will be announced soon.
City begin their pre-season with a double-header on Saturday, July 11 with games at Loughborough Dynamo and Tamworth before taking on Mansfield, Shrewsbury, Chesterfield and Valladolid. The game is part of a four-match tour for the Spaniards, who also take on Ipswich Town (July 31), Stoke City (August 7) and Wolves (August 8).
Their star man last season was Swedish striker Henok Goitom, who was their leading scorer with 11 goals.
Former players to have worn the club's famous purple and white colours include Ivan Campo, Gabriel Heinze and Carlos Valderrama.
43 Comments
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by Laurie Driver, ToonLand
Monday, June 29 2009, 2:13PM
“Ash
Save your money mate.
Long ride up to the Toon and you'll get nothing apart from the chance to sit in a great stadium
and sample fabulous atomosphere.Six Points for the TOON here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by Ash, Leicester
Monday, June 29 2009, 1:32PM
“cant wait for the new season and the long train rides up north to see newcastle and middlesbourgh get a pounding...
Blue army”
by True Blue, Leicestershire
Monday, June 29 2009, 1:27PM
“Adam
Why cannot a person express an opinion on here that does not coincide with yours and be deemed negative.
What again have you got against people who are unfortunate to be made unemployed.
Go down the job centre and call them all slackers.
Best Of Luck”
by Adam Mister, Leicester
Monday, June 29 2009, 9:15AM
“True blue, you don't sound it, bet your the typical moaner that sits behind me at games. Lay of Blue legend, seems like anyone around here with an opinion gets slated, we all support the same team (allegedly) so get behidn the foxes, things are looking up finally so enjoy it!”
by True Blue, Leicestershire
Monday, June 29 2009, 8:55AM
“Get off Tony's back alot of what he said made sense.
Can't believe you are a blue and you ain't a legend”
by Blue legend, Leicester
Monday, June 29 2009, 8:39AM
“Tony, what a sad little whinger you are, I agree with Nick, Tom and true fox. Get a life and a job...........
Why should taxpayers who work for a living have to fund slackers yet again? we do that enough already. Now get behind the team and club or just go away as your negativity is tedious and long winded.”
by nick, Birstall
Thursday, June 25 2009, 12:56PM
“Tom, Truefox etc
Cant agree more
Tony
You have got to be the biggest whinger out with not the first idea about commercial awareness.
Stop knocking the club and its owners and management and get behind them.
You say you have been watching city since 1961 well you should know then that things could be a lot worse and at the moment we have all got a lot to look forward to.”
by Sanj, Berkshire
Thursday, June 25 2009, 11:21AM
“I'm chuffed to bits, as I have been to Valladolid and have a very good friend there!! Infact, will be there next weekend too, so let the banter begin! They're a v similar club in size and history to City! Almost our twin!
UTC!!
S”
by Tony, Leicester
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 2:48PM
“Tom
You continue to miss the point.
We have stadium 40% empty most matches.You appear to be completely anti the jobless for some reason, you are assuming I cannot afford a season ticket.You think a 17.5% price increase is "poxy" you really do need to wise up and smell the coffee.”
by Jack, leicester
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 2:25PM
“You've missed some posts, keep looking saturday boy.
You have not made it either journalism or IT, I bet you and your parents are pretty disappointed with your life, you spend your time searching through inane comments and pressing delete.”