Official: Norwich City confirm their new manager

Five days before resuming their Premier League campaign, Norwich City have confirmed their next manager.

Dean Smith has been appointed as Norwich City manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Eight days after losing his job at Aston Villa, Smith is back in the dugout. The 50-year-old has replaced the fired Daniel Farke as the new coach at Carrow Road. He accepted the role on Saturday after former Chelsea and Derby manager Frank Lampard withdrew his interest.

Joining Smith at the Premier League club is Craig Shakespeare, who was his assistant at Villa Park.

Dean will be joined in the dugout by his assistant head coach Craig Shakespeare, formerly of Leicester City, Everton and Aston Villa.#NCFC pic.twitter.com/lAh7rj878j

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 15, 2021

What did Smith have to say?

“I’m really pleased to be back and working for Norwich City in the Premier League,” Smith told the club’s website.

“Clearly, 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 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.”

When will he make his debut?

Smith will make his debut as Norwich City manager at home to Southampton this coming Saturday in the Premier League.

The Englishman has a tough task in front of him, with Norwich rock-bottom in the league table. The Canaries have just five points from their opening 11 games this season.