Leicester appoints Dean Smith till end of season

Leicester City appoints former Aston Villa and Norwich manager Dean Smith as their new manager amidst their relegation battles.

Dean Smith is returning to the premier league to help Leicester City through their relegation battle. He will be assisted by Craig Shakespeare and John Terry. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Leicester City has appointed former Aston Villa and Norwich manager Dean Smith amidst their relegation battles, which got worse over the weekend as the Foxes lost at home to Bournemouth.

It’s a baptism of fire for Smith as he begins his eight-game reign with a game against Manchester City, who are chasing Arsenal in the title race. Smith took on the same gig at Norwich last season, but it ended in tears with the Canaries dropping into the championship.

"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season," Smith said in a statement. "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."

Leicester City is on a nine-game winless streak, with the latest of that coming at home on Saturday against fellow strugglers AFC Bournemouth. A Phil Billing strike trusted a dagger into the hearts of the Foxes, and now they have it all to do to survive the drop.

"We've endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight," chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said. "Dean's experience will be key to unlocking that potential, helping the team rediscover its confidence, and channeling the support of our fans, who will be so important during these final eight games.

"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."

Dean Smith will be assisted by his long-term wingman Craig Shakespeare and former Chelsea player John Terry, who was also with him in his days at Aston Villa.