Dean Smith confirmed as Norwich’s new manager 8 days after Aston Villa sacking

Norwich City have officially confirmed Dean Smith as their new head coach eight days after Aston Villa sacked him.

Smith, 50, left his job at Villa Park just eight days ago but has made an instant return to the Premier League having penned a two-and-a-half year deal with Norwich.

He is joined at Carrow Road by his long-term assistant head coach Craig Shakespeare.

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

‘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.’

Norwich’s sporting director Stuart Webber said: ‘We are delighted to have appointed Dean as our new head coach. I have admired his work for some time and he has been a long-term target in the event that we needed to appoint a new head coach.

‘Dean has an outstanding track record and as soon as he made it clear that he was ready to go straight back into a managerial role we contacted him immediately.

‘He shares the same values and vision as the club, has a proven track record of winning games in the Premier League as well as developing players and building a winning culture and mentality.’

Smith’s first game in charge will come against Southampton on November 20, after the current international break.