Norwich confirm Dean Smith as new manager just eight days after Aston Villa sack

Arteta praises Smith Rowe after win over Aston Villa

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Dean Smith’s doubts over his long-term future lasted just eight days following his recent exit from Aston Villa, with the Birmingham-born boss having been appointed as Norwich City manager on Monday morning with the Canaries currently joint-bottom of the Premier League table.

Smith, 50, became Villa manager in October 2018 whilst the club languished 15th in the Championship  just two months into the season.

Yet a superb run of form saw just six defeats in 33 league games for Smith as his side finished fifth, entering the play-offs as a result.

Smith took the Villains up to end a three-year hiatus from the Premier League, recording 17th and 11th-place finishes in his first two seasons in the top-flight.

Yet after spending large amounts of money in the summer, five losses in a row meant Smith was sacked by his boyhood club with the club nervously looking at the drop zone in 6th place.

And Smith has now taken on the vacant Norwich job in a swift return to management, the club have announced.

Norwich sacked Daniel Farke just hours winning their first Premier League game in 20 attempts under the German.

Having led Norwich to promotion in 2019 – the same year Smith led Villa to promotion – Farke was given a chance to shine in the Premier League.

Norwich ultimately finished bottom of the table, although they came straight back up as league leaders the season after under Farke.

However, after just five points from 11 games and five goals in the process, the Canaries have acted quickly to sack Farke and have brought in Smith as his replacement.

“It has been a whirlwind seven days, but I’m really pleased to be back and working for Norwich City in the Premier League,” Smith said to Norwich’s official website.

“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 [Shakespeare] 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.”

Smith’s first home game comes against Southampton on Saturday.

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