One to Watch #61: Andy King

Last updated : 07 October 2010 By Dan Buxton

Name:  Andy King

Date of Birth:  29/10/88

Position: Midfielder

Club: Leicester

Previous clubs: Chelsea

International caps:  Wales U-19 - 10 (1)
                                   Wales U-21 - 15 (3)
                                    Wales - 5 (1)

Joining the academy at Chelsea when he was just 9 years old, Andy King
has been a hot prospect for a long time, and looks to finally be
making the step up as a first team regular.  King moved to Leicester
after being released by Chelsea at the age of 15 and went into their
youth academy, where he became an instant success scoring 8 goals in
21 appearances as Leicester Academy won the FA Premier League Group B
in the 2006*2007 season.  Following his success with the academy King
was offered his first professional contract, and went on trial with
York City ahead of a possible loan move which later fell through.

King’s first team debut came in a 0-0 draw with Wolves in October of
2007, and went on to score his first senior goal against Southampton
in December of 2007 (a 35 yard shot).  King went on to make 11
appearances for Leicester before they were relegated to League 1 on
the penultimate day of the season, a day that will always be
remembered by Stoke fans for very different reasons.

King was rewarded for his first senior season with a new three year
deal in 2008, and went on to play a big part in Leicester’s promotion
back to the Championship, and reaching the play-offs in their first
season back in the league, winning the Players‘ player of the year
award last season.  King has currently played 104 times for Leicester,
scoring 23 goals.
Although born in England, King qualified to play for Wales through his
Welsh grandfather, and has represented Wales at U-19, U-21 and senoir
level.  King received his first senior call up under John Toshack in
May 2009  and made his debut as an 89th minute substitute against
Estonia.