Leicester City appoint Dean Smith as manager until end of season

Leicester City have announced the appointment of Dean Smith as manager until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

The Foxes have been searching for a permanent manager since sacking Brendan Rodgers on April 2 following a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The relegation-threatened side were believed to be in talks with former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch.

However, they ultimately decided to end their pursuit of the American, turning their attention to the ex-Norwich City manager.

Leicester have now confirmed Smith's appointment as first-team manager on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign.

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Smith will take over a side that are languishing in the relegation zone with two points separating them from safety ahead of their final eight games.

"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season," Smith told the club website.

"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."

Smith has been out of work since being sacked as Norwich boss in December, but he has vast experience of managing in the top flight, having taken charge of 114 Premier League games as manager of the Canaries and Aston Villa.

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The 52-year-old's arrival will also coincide with the return of Craig Shakespeare, who will serve as Smith's assistant manager.

Shakespeare was an assistant for both Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri during his time with the Foxes, before going on to manage the club in 2017.

Former England captain John Terry, who previously worked with Smith at Aston Villa, also joins the Leicester backroom staff.

After taking charge of Leicester's last two games, Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell will remain with the club as first-team coaches.

Smith, who has also managed Walsall and Brentford, will begin his tenure with a difficult away trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.