Leicester City have appointed Dean Smith as the club’s first team manager until the expiration of the 2022/23 season.
The 52-year-old left Norwich earlier this campaign following past spells at Premier League sides, Aston Villa and Brentford.
The Foxes are in massive problems in the drop zone after losing on Saturday at the King Power Stadium to Bournemouth, two points from safety with eight games still available to play.
Dean Smith would take charge of first team training from Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.
He said: “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season. The challenge in front of us is clear, but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before and, with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable.
“Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week.
“Saturday will be a big test, but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world.
“I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.”
The Chairman of Leicester City, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha stated:
“On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I’d like to offer Dean a warm welcome to the Football Club. His leadership, coaching and motivational qualities will be vital assets for us in the coming eight games as we fight to secure our Premier League status.
“We’ve endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight. Dean’s experience will be key to unlocking that potential, helping the team rediscover its confidence and channelling the support of our fans, who will be so important during these final eight games.
“Their support has been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved in these last 13 years and it will play a vital role once more in this crucial moment in our history. This is a fight we can win, together.
“I ask you to support the team, to fight with them for every goal, to inspire them to create a legacy again for this Club. Every fan, every player, all our staff, we need to be behind the team and our new management team. Together we can find success this season.”
John Terry has returned to football as Dean Smith’s assistant
Meanwhile, Chelsea legend John Terry has made a dramatic comeback to top-flight football with Dean Smith at Leicester City.
Terry was among Smith’s assistants at Aston Villa from 2018 till 2021, exiting Villa ahead of the beginning of Smith’s last season at the club.
In an interview that was done recently, the Chelsea legend said: “I loved my time at Villa, Dean Smith was great for me”.
The Englishman added that he had “decided against” trying to become a coach in his own right.
Leicester City sit 19th on the English Premier League table with 25 points gathered so far out of 30 matches played this season.
