Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith named Norwich City manager

Daniel Brown

Smith was recently sacked by Aston Villa

Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has been named Norwich City manager, following the sacking of Daniel Farke on Saturday 6 November.

Smith was sacked by Villa after losing five Premier League games in a row, with the Midlands club sitting 16th in the table – just two points off the relegation zone.

He has signed a two-and-half-year contract, with terms verbally agreed on Saturday.

The 50-year-old – who has won 28 of his 87 matches as a top-flight manager – replaces Farke at Carrow Road, who was sacked hours after the Canaries’ first win of the Premier League season.

Smith will be joined by his assistant manager from Villa Park, Craig Shakespeare, the club have also confirmed.

According to The Athletic, he was contacted by Norwich on Sunday – immediately after he left his role as head coach at Aston Villa.

Smith was made Villa manager in October 2018 and led the club back to the Premier League – via the play-offs – in his first season in charge.

The former Brentford boss arrives at Carrow Road with Norwich bottom of the table, having lost eight of their opening 11 fixtures.

“It has been a whirlwind seven days, but I’m really pleased to be back and working for Norwich City in the Premier League,” Smith said.

“Clearly, there has been some wonderful work that has gone into this football club over 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 really 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 are determined to be progressive.

“I’ve always worked to improve and develop players – with that obviously comes improved performances. I was really impressed with the idea, structure and vision that is already in place at the club.

“I’ve also been really impressed with the work Stuart has done at both Huddersfield and Norwich and he is someone I’ve known of for a while. A lot of my background has been working with sporting directors at both Brentford and Aston Villa. It’s an important relationship and I’m sure we’ll work well together here.”

The Canaries are next in action when they host Southampton on Saturday 20th November.

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