Leicester chief executive Paul Aldridge believes his experience at West Ham proves the good times can return to City after their relegation.The Foxes slipped into the third tier for the first time in their 124-year history on Sunday following a goalless draw at promoted Stoke, while Southampton defeated Sheffield United 3-2 at St Mary's.

Aldridge spent over 10 years at West Ham, seven of those as managing director, and has a wealth of Championship and Premier League experience under his belt.

"I have been in this position before and hopefully Leicester can benefit from my experience within the game," Aldridge told the club's official website. "I was the MD of West Ham during the 2002/03 season when we were relegated from the Premier League with the highest ever points total, and like now, it seemed like the end of the world.

"But we worked extremely hard and returned to the top flight two seasons later through the play-offs in a much stronger position.

"In that first season we finished seventh in the league, reached the FA Cup final and qualified for Europe. During that period we also addressed our huge debt and turned in the best operating profits in the club's history, so I say this to give our fans the encouragement to stay positive."

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