Black History Month: Larry May

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Black History Month: Larry May

Throughout Black History Month, we’ll profile the careers and contributions of some of the most iconic black players to have represented Leicester City.

2026-10-01T15:00+01:00

by Richard Mellor

Published

3 Hours 28 Mins Ago

Black History Month: Larry May

Throughout Black History Month, we’ll profile the careers and contributions of some of the most iconic black players to have represented Leicester City.

Richard Mellor

2026-10-01T15:00+01:00

Black History Month: Larry May

Throughout Black History Month, we’ll profile the careers and contributions of some of the most iconic black players to have represented Leicester City.

Richard Mellor

2026-10-01T15:00+01:00

Black History Month: Larry May

Throughout Black History Month, we’ll profile the careers and contributions of some of the most iconic black players to have represented Leicester City.

Richard Mellor

2026-10-01T15:00+01:00

Black History Month: Larry May

Throughout Black History Month, we’ll profile the careers and contributions of some of the most iconic black players to have represented Leicester City.

Richard Mellor

2026-10-01T15:00+01:00

We profile some of our most iconic black players during October’s Black History Month
First up in the series is fan favourite centre-back Larry May
May made more than 200 appearances for the Foxes

Throughout October, we will recall figures from across different eras of our history, celebrating their achievements in a Foxes shirt and the part they have played in our story.

First in the series is former centre-back Larry May, a firm fans’ favourite whose committed performances at the heart of Leicester City’s defence made him a popular figure at Filbert Street during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Born in Sutton Coldfield in 1958, May arrived at Leicester as a 16-year-old apprentice, despite also attracting interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.

After signing professional terms at 17, May was handed his First Team debut by Jimmy Bloomfield in a goalless draw away to Bristol City in March 1977.

It was the beginning of a Leicester career which would eventually see the defender make more than 200 appearances in all competitions, including 199 starts between 1977 and 1983.

Strong in the air, powerful in the tackle and possessing plenty of pace, May developed into a formidable presence at centre-back. His partnership with John O’Neill would become the bedrock of City's defence for five eventful years.

Having overcome significant knee injuries early in his career, May established himself as a regular under Jock Wallace and played a central role in one of the defining campaigns of that era.

He featured in every game of the 79/80 season as Leicester secured promotion to the First Division as Second Division champions.

Fittingly, it was May who scored the goal which clinched the title, finding the net in a 1-0 victory at Orient on the final day of the season.

Recalling the celebrations many years later, May described it as “one of the best days of my life”, with thousands of travelling Leicester supporters sharing in the celebrations.

Back in the top flight, May continued to establish himself at the heart of the Foxes defence. Among the highlights of the 80/81 campaign was a famous league double over Liverpool, who would go on to lift the European Cup that season.

Further memorable moments followed during Leicester’s run to the 1982 FA Cup Semi-Final.

May scored the winner away at Hereford United before opening the scoring in City's remarkable 5-2 quarter-final victory over Shrewsbury Town at Filbert Street – a game remembered for Leicester using three different goalkeepers.

Although the Foxes’ cup journey ended against Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park, May remained a key figure and helped the Club secure another promotion the following season, with City finishing third in the Second Division in 82/83.

That campaign would prove to be his last at Filbert Street. May joined Barnsley for £110,000 in the summer of 1983 before later representing Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton & Hove Albion.

His departure came as a surprise to many supporters and May would later describe leaving Leicester as the biggest regret of his playing career.

“I absolutely loved Leicester,” he recalled. “I loved the people, I loved playing for the Club.”

May remained involved in football following his retirement from playing, moving into coaching and development roles.

More than four decades after his final appearance for the Foxes, his place in Leicester City’s history remains secure. A commanding defender, two-time promotion winner and key member of some memorable City sides, May’s performances ensured he became a firm favourite among the Filbert Street faithful.

Throughout Black History Month, we will continue to celebrate black players from across generations who have contributed to Leicester City’s history, telling their stories and reflecting on their achievements in a Foxes shirt.

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