Official: Norwich appoint Dean Smith as their new manager

Norwich

Daniel Farke hours after their 2-1 victory over Brentford on November 6. The club immediately started their search for a new gaffer, with Dean Smith and Franck Lampard being their main candidates.

Smith agreed to take over the managerial job at the Carrow Road Stadium after Lampard withdrew from the running. 

"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."

reads the club's official

.

Smith, who returned

to the top flight in 2019, was sacked by the club last week. Steven Gerrard took over the Villa as they sit only two points away from the relegation zone.

Smith's duty is, however, more challenging. The Canaries are at the rock bottom of the Premier League table with five points from their 11 matches.

"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 after agreeing to take charge at Norwich.

"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."

Smith's debut game in charge of Norwich will be played against

next Saturday. The Canaries will then take on Wolves seven days later.

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