Leicester have appointed Dean Smith as their manager until the end of the season, the Premier League club has confirmed.
The former Aston Villa boss, who’s been out of work since leaving Championship side Norwich in December, has added former Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare and Chelsea legend John Terry to his coaching staff.
The Foxes have lost both of their matches since Brendan Rodgers left, meaning they’re second bottom, but only two points from safety.
Smith, who will take training for the first time on Tuesday, told the club’s official website: “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season.
“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.”
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “His leadership, coaching and motivational qualities will be vital assets for us in the coming eight games as we fight to secure our Premier League status.
“We’ve endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight.
“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.”
Leicester turned to the 52-year-old having seen a move for former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch collapse over the weekend.
Smith was able to keep Villa up in their first season back in the Premier League and did so in similar circumstances over a short period of time, when the 2019/20 season resumed after the coronavirus lockdown.
The appointment will split opinion at the Kingpower, with one fan, making her feelings very clear to the Sports Bar on talkSPORT.
“I feel sick,” Girinda began. “Honestly, I’ve never rated that man. I mean, Jesse Marsch said no – that’s a joke. Dean Smith and Craig Shakespeare? Oh my God, they’re a circus act. They’re clowns.”
Smith and Shakespeare worked together at Carrow Road and Villa, while Shakespeare had a brief spell as manager at the King Power Stadium in 2017, having been assistant to Claudio Ranieri when the Foxes won a stunning Premier League title in 2016.
Meanwhile, Terry was part of Smith’s backroom staff at Villa.
Smith’s first match in charge of Leicester sees them take on reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday.
“It’s a nightmare I’m having right now. I want to wake up – we’ve got Man City [next],” Girinda continued.
Asked by host Jason Cundy, what would make it better, she replied: “Bring back Martin O’Neill. Or Neil Lennon, where’s Neil Lennon?”
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By: Jackson Cole
Title: Leicester confirm Dean Smith appointment and brings John Terry and Craig Shakespeare with him
Sourced From: talksport.com/football/1390352/leicester-city-dean-smith-john-terry-craig-shakespeare-coaching-staff/
Published Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:02:00 +0000
