Leicester CONFIRM Dean Smith as caretaker manager as he brings Chelsea legend John Terry with him as assistant
DEAN SMITH has been confirmed as Leicester manager - with Craig Shakespeare and John Terry his assistants.
The former Aston Villa boss, sacked by Norwich earlier this season, spent today locked in talks with the Premier League strugglers and will be in charge until the end of the season.
A surprise appointment following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, Smith, 52, has decided to give Shakespeare an emotional return to the King Power.
Shakespeare, 59, was Claudio Ranieri’s assistant when Leicester won the title in 2016.
Equally, after the sacking of Ranieri in 2017, Shakespeare took over as boss and guided the club to a win over Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League before losing to Atletico Madrid - although he was sacked the following season.
Smith is also bringing former Chelsea defender John Terry back to senior football after their time together at Villa.
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He has recently been working part-time at Chelsea’s academy.
Smith is in for a baptism of fire in his first game in charge, as the Foxes travel to champions Man City on Saturday for a 5.30pm kickoff.
He said: “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.
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“Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil 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.”
Smith took charge of Norwich in the Premier League after Daniel Farke was sacked last season and was unable to keep them in the top flight.
Smith was then sacked in December after the Norwich fans turned on him.
Now, the trio know they have a tough job ahead at Leicester.
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The club has won just seven league games all term and are two points from safety after a run of seven defeats in their last eight.
Leicester spoke to a number of candidates including former Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch and Rafa Benitez.
Caretaker managers Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell took charge of the midweek defeat to Aston Villa along with Saturday’s loss to Bournemouth.
If Smith keeps Leicester up, he would stand a good chance of keeping the job.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I’d like to offer Dean a warm welcome to the Football Club.
“His leadership, coaching and motivational qualities will be vital assets for us in the coming eight games as we fight to secure our Premier League status.
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“We’ve endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight.
“Dean’s experience will be key to unlocking that potential, helping the team rediscover its confidence and channelling the support of our fans, who will be so important during these final eight games.”
