Dean Smith, days after losing his job at Aston Villa, has become the new coach at Norwich City.
“Norwich City is delighted to confirm the appointment of Dean Smith as the club’s new head coach.
Smith has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will be joined in Norfolk by assistant head coach Craig Shakespeare”, a club statement read on Monday.
At Aston Villa, he helped guide the club to promotion from the Championship during his first season in charge, before two successful campaigns in the Premier League followed.
Smith also steered Villa to the 2019/20 League Cup final, ultimately losing out to Manchester City at Wembley.
Before his spell at Villa Park, Smith had held managerial positions at Brentford and Walsall.
Shakespeare, meanwhile, was part of Smith’s staff at Aston Villa. Before that, he has held backroom positions with the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Leicester City, Everton and Watford.
Smith said: “It has been a whirlwind seven days, but I’m pleased to be back and working for Norwich City in the Premier League.
“There has been some wonderful work that has gone into this football club over the last four-and-a-half years. It is now the job of myself and Craig to continue and improve on that work with the ultimate aim of surviving in the Premier League.
“Norwich City is a big club, with a massive hardcore of supporters who are fully understanding in what it means to be part of the club and its community.
“I was brought up in an era when Norwich were competing in Europe – I remember those times well and whenever I’ve visited Carrow Road and Norwich you can sense the connection between the fans, staff and players.
Together, we all have to make Carrow Road a really tough place for visiting teams.
“From the age of 16, I’ve been working in football. I think in that time I’ve had four months out and didn’t enjoy it. It’s great to get straight back in with a club that is determined to be progressive.
“I’ve always worked to improve and develop players – with that comes improved performances. I was impressed with the idea, structure and vision that is already in place at the club.
