(Football news) Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has been appointed as head coach for Norwich City on a two and a half year deal. The 50 year old English football manager was sacked by Aston Villa just eight days ago and will now take over the reigns at Carrow Road with his assistant Craig Shakespeare as the Canaries look to survive in England’s top flight.

Speaking after his appointment, Dean 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 the 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."

Currently at the bottom of the Premier League table, Norwich enjoyed their first win of the season in Daniel Farke’s last game in charge as the Canaries defeated Brentford 2-1 at the Brentford Community Stadium. The club are currently five points away from safety with the board and fans desperately hoping that Dean Smith will overturn the club’s fortunes to ensure survival, starting with his first match in charge against Southampton on November 20th.

Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber said: "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.

"In Craig Shakespeare we have secured an assistant head coach with an outstanding reputation and vast experience within the game. We are delighted that Craig has agreed to join our new team. We look forward to working with Dean and Craig and building on the outstanding work which has been achieved at this club in the last few years. There are huge challenges ahead, but we are excited and determined to see how far we can continue to grow as a club on and off the pitch."

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