Leicester have confirmed the appointment of Dean Smith as their new manager until the end of the season.
The ex-Aston Villa and Norwich City head coach has agreed a deal to replace Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium after Jesse Marsch walked away from negotiations with Foxes chiefs. Smith, who was sacked by the Canaries in December, will look to keep the 2016 Premier League winners in the top flight after a nightmare season for the Midlands club.
They are currently in the midst of a real battle at the bottom and sit 19th, two points adrift of 17th-place Nottingham Forest.
Smith is joined at the King Power Stadium by Craig Shakespeare, who previously spent time as the Foxes' manager. Former England and Chelsea defender John Terry Has also joined the Foxes' coaching staff, having previously worked under Smith at Aston Villa.
“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season," Smith said as his appointment was confirmed. "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.”
Will Smith keep Leicester in the league? Have your say in the comments section
“We’ve endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight," Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said. He praised Smith's "leadership, coaching and motivational qualities" when announcing the hire.
"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," Srivaddhanaprabha added. " 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.
While Leicester sit two points from safety, they still have to take on a number of their relegation rivals. Smith's team still have to travel to Leeds, as well as facing home games against Wolves, Everton and West Ham.
