Leicester City appoint new manager

English Premier League (EPL) side Leicester City has a new manager.

Dean Smith is the Club’s new first team manager until the end of the 2022/2023 season.

Eight games remain before end of the season.

He succeeds Brendan Rodgers who was recently relieved of his duties, after four years in the Foxes’ dugout.

The former Norwich City, Aston Villa and Brentford manager takes charge of first team training today, in preparation for his first match as Leicester manager against EPL defending champions Manchester City on Saturday.

“Smith brings a wealth of managerial experience and expertise to the role and along with his coaching team, will be tasked with helping the football Club retain premier league status as we head into the final eight games of the current season,” said the Club in a statement.

His backroom staff includes Craig Shakespeare, Adam Sadler, Mike Stowell and former Chelsea captain John Terry.

Terry initially served as Smith’s assistant at Aston Villa.

Smith said he is happy to have been given an opportunity to lead the team.

“I am really happy 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 has experienced before and with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it is very much achievable.”

Leicester City 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. We have 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 in unlocking that potential.”

The 2016 EPL champions are 19th on the log with 25 points.