Leicester

Former Leicester City striker Matty Fryatt is thrilled that the Foxes have gained promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and says that over the course of the season, they deserved it more than any other side in the second tier.

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling podcast, Fryatt said: "It is just fantastic, the response. To bounce back from last season.

"It is not easy being in the Championship again. The point is proven again by Leeds going to QPR. It's a difficult game.

"Over the whole season, [Leicester] have deserved it. They have been the most consistent and yes, it's been a bit wobbly and nervous at the end but all in all, it's fantastic.

"It sets us up nicely to go back into the Premier League."

Fryatt was also full of praise for Enzo Maresca's players, who have stepped up in 2023-24.

"Players that were discarded from the Premier League campaign - ones that weren't playing - came back into the starting XI and they have played their own game," he said.

"Up until February, it was a foregone conclusion that Leicester were going to win.

"Massive credit for what Enzo has done. It was vital to get back up at the earliest opportunity.

"It's OK for one year - but then we need to be back up there where we we belong, and that's in the Premier League."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions.

Tony asked: What are your thoughts on Leicester potentially starting next season with a points deduction? Is it right to carry over punishments until a team returns to the Premier League? What if it had taken Leicester 30 years to go back up - would they have faced a points deduction in 2054?!

Simon replied: Last point first Tony, I think if Leicester had not come back up, if guilt had been proven, the points would have been deducted by the EFL, who have their own investigation.

I have sympathy with the leagues here. A lot of people say this stuff should have been dealt with more quickly. But how? Clubs have to submit their accounts to the league by the end of December. Then they have to be assessed, charges brought forward if needed, then legal argument, then a hearing, then an appeal. This all takes time. It is naïve to think this can all be sorted in a matter of days.

Leicester argued the EFL did not have the legal right to assess their accounts for a period when they were a Premier League club – and they won. They delayed the case. That was their right. What ‘faster way’ is there?

We asked for your thoughts on how Leicester City have managed to bounce straight back up to the Premier League, the key to the Foxes' rapid return, and your initial expectations for next season.

Here are some of your replies:

Vin: Maresca has done a brilliant job, reinstalling confidence and a unified team ethic, after the dismal end to last season. He stood fast against calls to change his playing approach, which kept us at the top of the Championship for 99% of this season. This league is tough! Hopefully next season there will be some strengthening up front, as we only have one striker in Jamie Vardy!

Wayne: We've had a passionate manager in Maresca, who has implemented a solid style. Mistakes are being made, but he is excelling in bringing everyone together to complete the task, and he did change things up after a while. Vardy is back in the Premier League, but we need to learn about wages and contracts in order to keep Maresca. It was hard fought and I'm absolutely buzzing.

Alex: Harry Winks is the beating heart of this team. Absolute, often underrated, quality. Without him pulling the strings and leading the midfield, we wouldn't have been promoted - end of. We have had great players and performances throughout, but Winks is the only outfield player who has not missed a game all season. The hero.

Karl: We weren't as good as we thought we were, or as good as the other teams thought we were. By the time the other teams had sussed us out, no amount of drop in form was going to be enough to stop us from going up. However, if a points deduction and/or transfer embargo is imposed in the close season, we are already swimming in treacle! I wouldn't change being a life-long Leicester fan for the world!

Nathan: It has been a strange season of well-crafted but, at times, slow football. We were top of the league for most of the season, but there was still an uneasiness at times with Enzo. I thought we might bottle it but then the players appeared to have used their initiative by passing it forward and shooting more. Who would have thought it? However, the invisible board and disconnect with the fans hurts.

Aaron: I lost heart in following the Foxes after they sleepwalked into relegation. It seemed Vichai's legacy was tarnished. The gamble with Maresca has clearly paid off and I hope the club can be smarter now in the financial aspects. If we start the new Premier League season with a points deficit, Everton have shown it is possible to stay up.

It is confirmed. Leicester's 12-month exile in the Championship is coming to an end and all without having to do anything, as Leeds fell on their sword at QPR.

Enzo Maresca's usual Friday pizza night with his family would have tasted extra sweet.

But how have they done it?

What has been the key behind their rapid return?

And what are your initial expectations for this version of the Foxes in the Premier League?

Let us know here - and come back on Monday morning to see what the fans said.