Dean Smith Appointed As New Leicester City Manager With John Terry Hired In Supporting Role

Leicester City have appointed Dean Smith as their new manager on a short-term contract until the end of the season. Smith will be assisted by John Terry.

Leicester City have appointed former Aston Villa and Norwich boss Dean Smith as their new manager on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The Foxes, who currently sit 19th in the Premier League table with just eight matches left to play, hired Smith on Monday, eight days after sacking Brendan Rodgers.

Smith's first game in charge will be away at Manchester City on Saturday.

In his first interview as Leicester manager, Smith 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 instill belief in the team and I'm looking forward to getting to work with the players this week.

"Saturday will be a big test, but it's the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world.

"I know we'll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points."

Smith will be assisted at the King Power Stadium by former Chelsea captain John Terry and ex-Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare.

Terry and Shakespeare both worked under Smith at Villa.

Shakespeare also has more than six years of experience working at Leicester. He served as an assistant manager under both Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri, before taking charge of 26 games himself during a brief spell as Foxes boss in 2017.

Dean Smith pictured (center) alongside Craig Shakespeare (left) and John Terry (right) during their time together at Aston Villa :: IMAGO/PA Images/Tim Keeton