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Russell Martin's reign at Leicester City officially begins this weekend when the Foxes host Northampton Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Some supporters will view the clash with the League Two side as one final tune-up before next weekend's League One opener at Notts County. But for Martin, it marks the first competitive test of the ideas and principles he has spent the past six weeks implementing on the training pitch. The former Southampton and Rangers boss arrived at the King Power Stadium to a mixed reaction. His style of play divided opinion and there were lingering doubts following his previous jobs. However, after an encouraging pre-season, the mood has shifted. Performances, the work on the training ground and Martin's communication have given supporters reason for optimism ahead of the new campaign. But what do Leicester fans actually think? As part of a new LeicestershireLive feature, we asked a panel of Foxes supporters for their verdict on Martin's first few weeks in charge ahead of the 2026/27 season... Eli says: "My early impression of Russell Martin has been really positive. It’s still pre-season, so you can’t get carried away, but there’s already a clear identity to the way Leicester are trying to play. "The football looks more structured, and the new signings also seem to fit exactly what Martin wants, which suggests the club is backing his vision. "I was also really impressed with him at the Bristol Rovers game. Despite having plenty going on, he took the time to chat with both of my young kids, which meant a lot. Those small moments go a long way with supporters and say a lot about his character. FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! All the latest Leicester City news on LeicestershireLive’s Leicester City Facebook page! Get LeicestershireLIVE Premium now for just £1 HERE. You can also join our WhatsApp Community by clicking HERE "The real test starts when the league season begins, but there’s definitely a renewed sense of optimism around the club. If we can add one or two more players before the window closes, I think we’ve got every chance of being right up there this season." Adam says: "I will admit I had my reservations about Russell Martin's appointment, but after his first 48+ days in charge, it's hard not to be impressed by everything seen on and off the pitch; from the interviews he's given to the performances on the pitch during pre-season. "Every pre-season game so far there's been impressive moments of play, which you can tell have been worked on and drilled during training sessions. The players look comfortable in possession and there's a clear vision in terms of style and patterns of play too. "Another element that looks different to previous seasons is the fact we are seeing a little bit more fight and desire, which certainly isn't something we've been shown much the last year or so, even in previous pre-seasons. "I know it's the early days of Russell Martin's reign as Leicester City manager, but the early signs of his impact on the squad and culture he's looking to foster look to be a positive one in every respect. We all hope these positive signs can translate to positive results this season." Ashley says: "Russell Martin has come into a club and a squad that's in turmoil. The club's finances are in a difficult position, and a lot of the players either want to leave or probably need to. I'll be honest, I wasn't impressed when he was appointed, but I can't help but like him. "He's certainly saying all the right things and comes across as a calm, measured head. He clearly wants to stamp his style of play on this squad, which is encouraging. Enzo proved that having a clear identity can work. "After a disastrous 24 months, it's refreshing to finally have a manager who knows exactly how he wants his team to play and the type of players he'll need to make it happen. It's also encouraging to see the board making some smart signings without spending a fortune. Signing Chaplin on a free in League One deserves real credit. Whether that's down to the board, Russell's influence, or a combination of both, it's quality work. From what I've seen so far, I'd say it's been a 7.5/10 start. "Let's see how we get on against Northampton in the cup and then away at Notts County. Hopefully, we'll have a couple of strikers through the door by then." Steve says: At first I was unsure as to what Russell would bring to the club, his style of play and whether or not he’s learnt from his time at Rangers. But since being here, he hasn’t put a foot wrong and it looks as if all of the players have bought in to his philosophy. "The first half against Genoa was very impressive and I’m really looking forward to seeing how we set up against Notts County in a couple of weeks. All in all, I’m backing him to get us up this season." Alex says: "I've been here before and I refuse to be let down. Pre-seasons can make or break a season but truth be told we've had good summers and then horrendous seasons. "Bottom line Martin has come in and got a lot of people on side and that should be acknowledged. The football he has played, with large amount of academy players has been refreshing but opposition teams don't tend to play low blocks in friendlies and managers have a history of casting the academy aside once the serious stuff starts so ask me again in a few weeks."If he continues to be brave and uses Joseph and Aluko, Braybrooke and Alves and hopefully Page, Evans and Hutchinson get minutes too plus others like Carr and Neale then he'll have won me over. "Signings so far have been half decent but too early to call, we still need 3-4 out and the same in, maybe more. If we don't get a proper striker and maybe another option out wide then we'll make lives hard for ourselves. "I am cautiously looking forward to the season." Jacob says: "At first, I think I was among the majority where I was a bit unsure on us appointing Russell in League 1. He appeared to be quite stubborn with the way he wanted to play and that worried me as I do think the level is going to be tough with a lot of teams sitting back and defending against us. "However from reading and watching him speak he has convinced me that he is the perfect man to take us forward. He seems passionate and wants to be here and that’s all I want from a manager. "He clearly wants to develop our youth which is an added bonus. I am optimistic for the season and really hope it works out for him." Dan says: "I feel that pre season has gone better than expected and certainly better than previous ones yes yesterday’s results were disappointing but the quality is there and plenty for Russell to work with. "There is an obvious desperate need for a striker in our ranks and once we can get the right ones in this team will be hard to stop you can see we have a clear plan and style of play with the high press and looking to win the ball back in minimal time and apply pressure to the opposition all over the pitch. "So far the group are bonding well with that great mixture of youth and exuberance with the older players helping and guiding them to become better and hopefully this continues as the season progress the signings we have made are all positive and needed with hopefully at least another 3 to 4 in with 2 strikers a centre half and a right winger." Jack says: "I’ll admit I wasn’t keen on the appointment of Russell Martin, but he has grown on me in pre-season. I have been very impressed with how things have looked under him in the games watched as he’s really installed that hunger and fight in the team that we have been missing for quite a while and they look a lot fitter and sharper and it’s great to see how the young lads have really thrived with Martin giving them the opportunity. "The style of football looks positive with the attacking intensity and we have created a lot of chances throughout. You can see there is positions we needing to strengthen like the attacking side, with striker being an absolute must, but it’s good to see that the players we have got through the door fits the bill for Martin’s style of play and really add something to the team. "Real positives signs so far and a lot to build on going forward ahead of the season." Darren says: "On the whole very impressed and you can see why he has had a very warm reception from the majority of the foxes fans. "Russell has obviously done his homework, ignoring the Serie A approaches, choosing instead to work with our academy boys who are now back from loan spells. These lads have returned very hungry and keen to demand a shirt not hoping for one. Also, we have the likes of Mavididi and Luke Thomas now looking over their shoulders. "I was fortunate to speak to Russell and his agent Luca in Estepona and I my early opinion on the appointment has changed , his engagement with our fans is refreshing and its clear to see he wants to be here. "Russell Martin will demand stiff competition , he has also made it clear any new comers will have to buy in to the LCFC way with no fancy egos. Overall, so far 8/10 - roll on Notts County." Darren says: "Russell Martin seems to have stamped his authority on the place in a much needed new era. Fitness levels look good along with a style of play to suit the players we currently have, fast flowing football. "He’s made a few decent new signings, there are smiles back in training and in pre-season matches. The players have something to prove. I personally can’t wait for the season to start again and will be fully backing the manager and lads." Want to have your say on Leicester City? We’re launching a Leicester City fan panel and want supporters to get involved. The Fan Feature will run every 1-3 weeks, asking the biggest questions around the club and giving you the chance to share your thoughts. Whether it's transfers, tactics, performances or anything else happening at the King Power Stadium, we want your opinion. If you'd like to take part, email City writer Josh Holland at josh.holland@Reachplc.com.