Over the past two years the Leicester City story has transcended football and captured the imagination of sporting and non-sporting fans alike. On 4^th April 2015, Leicester City were rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, and were odds on to be relegated. Turn the clock forward to 2^nd May 2016, and Leicester City were crowned champions of England.

Described as a modern day fairy tale this was one of the most amazing turnarounds in sporting history.

However, the 'happy ever after' has failed to materialise and on 25^th February Leicester slipped back into the relegation zone of the Premier League. Their fall is as remarkable as their previous rise, particularly as the playing staff has changed very little since last season.

So, what has changed? One theory is that the playing and coaching staff have become complacent; they are satisfied that they have done everything they need to do and the only thing that is required to win each week is to turn up.

There is an important lesson here for business analysts. It is clear from the Leicester City story that 'you're only as good as your last project' and that the same high level of rigour and commitment is required on subsequent projects. It also reminds us that BAs need to continually re-evaluate the tools available within the BA tool kit. We can draw on our successes from previous projects but we must always seek out the right tools for the job in hand.

Ultimately, as with BAs, football coaches answer to a project sponsor in the shape of the club owners. Claudio Ranieri was dismissed from his role on Wednesday, so we now wait to see what the future holds for the Leicester City project.

Footnote

On Wednesday 27^th February, post-Ranieri Leicester City unexpectedly beat Liverpool 3-1 in a pulsating match. This unexpected success was achieved by Leicester players 'upping their game', showing a high level of commitment and adopting tactics appropriate for that match. In BA terms, a rigorous approach coupled with the right tools for the job.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/39116832/the-psychology-of-leicester-citys-revival-after-ranieris-sacking

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