While perhaps for non-footballing people the notion of a kit number may be rather mundane, for us footballing folk, its importance cannot be underestimated.
In recent times, the pressure of wearing a certain shirt number has been enough to make particular players wilt, while there is often great fanfare when a new signing takes their new number.
It may be a trivial detail part and parcel of being a footballer, but the kit number has become a vital part of superstition and psychology for every player.
Here’s a look then at the best Leicester City players to have worn each shirt number from one to 11. No easy task…
#1 – Gordon Banks
“Oh what a save… Gordon Banks.”
The late, great Banks is a must on this list. While the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Peter Shilton would be worthy of selection, the World Cup winner was simply too good a player to miss out.
The former England international was a mainstay of the side between 1959 and 1967, helping to lift the League Cup trophy in 1964. He left for Stoke City after making 356 appearances in all competitions to be replaced by a young Shilton.
Honourable Mentions: Peter Shilton, Kasper Schmeichel
#2 – Colin Appleton
As captain of the ‘Ice Kings’ – the 1962/63 Leicester side that went close in pursuit of a league and FA Cup double – Appleton is a true great at the club.
While the double attempt failed, it was Appleton who held the League Cup trophy aloft in 1964 after beating Stoke City 4-3 on aggregate.
Bring back the two-legged final, right? Right…
Honourable Mentions: Danny Simpson, Simon Grayson
#3 – David Nish
Besides having a cool name, Nish wasn’t a half bad player either.
While his best and most successful days may have been at Derby – after his British transfer record-breaking move to the Rams in 1972 – it was at Leicester that the full back made his name.
The defender spent six years in Leicestershire, winning the FA Charity Shield in 1971 when his side defeated the might Liverpool.
Honourable Mention: Frank Sinclair
#4 – Graham Cross
The easiest selection of them all, Cross is a hero at the King Power Stadium.
His 599 appearances in all competitions make him the record holder at the club, with his 16-year stay ending in 1976 when he moved south to Brighton and Hove Albion.
He also represented Leicestershire’s cricket side – y’know, that game with the bats and the small red ball – taking 92 wickets in 83 First Class games.
Just imagine Jamie Vardy doing the same today!
#5 – Wes Morgan
Steve Walsh can count himself very unlucky, but the Premier League title-winning captain has to be in this side.
After leading his side to Championship glory in the 2013/14 season, Morgan then stepped up to aid his side in the most unlikely title victory of all time in 2015/16.
Remarkably, it was Leicester’s first ever top flight title.
Honourable Mention: Steve Walsh
#6 – Muzzy Izzet
Great name, great player. The skilful Turkish midfielder was a vital part of Leicester’s two League Cup successes in the late 1990s and quickly emerged as a fan favourite.
Under Martin O’Neill’s guidance, Izzet formed a vital partnership with Neil Lennon as Leicester surged to three League Cup finals in just four seasons.
Honourable Mention: Robert Huth
#7 – Keith Weller
While not a household name outside of Leicester, Weller is regarded as perhaps one of the club’s greatest ever players.
The pacy wide man spent eight years at Leicester, amassing 43 goals in 295 games in all competitions, becoming a firm fan favourite in the process.
After leaving in 1978, Weller became a player and manager for numerous teams in the US before retiring. Not a bad way to end your career.
Honourable Mention: Neil Lennon
#8 – Gary Lineker
That bloke off Match of the Day and those crisps ads was also a very very good footballer.
Lineker was not only the Golden Boot winner at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986 and a star of the 1990 England side that reached the semi finals at Italia 90, but a prolific striker at club level also.
His 103 goals in 209 games for the club is impressive, with the former Tottenham forward going on to have a distinguished career that led him to Barcelona and Japanese side Grampus Eight.
Honourable Mention: Alan Birchenall
#9 – Jamie Vardy
What a five years this man has had. The well-known story of Vardy’s rise from non-league football to Premier League title success is a true rags to riches tale.
His form in that spellbinding league success – scoring for a Premier League record of 11 games in a row – signalled his arrival on the world stage.
It is testament to his ability that he has certainly not been a one-season wonder, scoring bucketloads season after season.
Honourable Mention(s): Arthur Rowley, Alan Smith, Steve Claridge
#10 – Frank Worthington
For those non-Leicester supporters, Worthington was reminiscent of a certain Jack Grealish. Known for his party lifestyle and for often not wearing shin pads, the forward was something of a maverick.
He joined the Foxes in 1972 and went on to make 237 appearances at the club. However, he certainly wasn’t a one-club man – just have a look at his Wikipedia page.
Honourable Mention(s): James Maddison, Roberto Mancini
#11 – Jon Sammels
Despite never finishing above seventh with the club, Sammels was a terrifically gifted footballer.
Alongside the likes of Keith Weller and Alan Birchenall, Leicester were an attacking feast for the eyes, renowned for the quality of their play. Sammels left Leicester in 1978 to join Vancouver Whitecaps after seven years at the club.
Honourable Mention: Marc Albrighton