Smith appointed Norwich manager, set to make history

Norwich City have confirmed Dean Smith as the club’s new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The former Aston Villa boss, 50, succeeds Daniel Farke, who was sacked with the Canaries bottom of the Premier League, five points adrift of safety.

Norwich City Football Club is delighted to announce Dean Smith as our new head coach.#NCFC

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

Smith’s first game in charge will be at home to Southampton on 20 November.

He will make history as the first man to take charge of successive Premier League matches against the same opponent with different teams, after being sacked by Villa following defeat by the Saints.

“It has been a whirlwind seven days,” said Smith, who was dismissed by Villa on 7 November.

“I’m really pleased to be back and working for Norwich City in the Premier League.”