Bottom-placed Norwich City have appointed Dean Smith as head coach of the Norfolk-based club one week after the sacking of Daniel Farke. Despite winning their first game of the season against Brentford last Saturday, the German was shown the exit door as a result of a poor start to the season.
Both Frank Lampard and Smith were considered for the job. However, it was reported that the Chelsea legend had withdrawn his name from the candidature, which made Smith’s ascendancy a no-brainer. The Englishman himself was sacked on November 7, after a string of bad results at Aston Villa.
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The side from West Midlands went on a streak of five consecutive defeats, eventually costing Smith his job. Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is at the helm at Villa Park now. His predecessor has been signed on a two and a half year deal at Carrow Road.
Just like Smith, Farke had done a brilliant job at his previous club. Farke earned two promotions with Norwich, but could not retain their status as a Premier League club. Farke lost 15 back to back matches as Norwich boss in the Premier League, a record for a club and a manager in English top-flight history.
Smith has a mighty task at hand if Norwich is to stay up this season. They are the wooden spoon holders of the league at the moment, with just five points from 11 matches. They have not only scored the least goals (5) but have also conceded the most (26), meaning Smith has to change the results at both ends of the field drastically.
The 50-year-old did a commendable job with Aston Villa during his three-year stint. The December 2020 Premier League Manager of the Month award winner will have to instil his beliefs among the Norwich players as soon as possible. The January transfer window will be vital in keeping Norwich in next season’s Premier League. His first match as Norwich boss will be against Southampton on November 20.
