Leicester City appoint Dean Smith in Premier League survival bid, Craig Shakespeare and John Terry join coaching staff

Leicester City have turned to Dean Smith to spearhead their Premier League survival mission.

The Foxes dismissed Brendan Rodgers last week after the club dropped into the relegation zone. They have lost both games since – a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa and a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth – leaving them 19th in the table, two points from safety.

Smith has penned a contract at the King Power Stadium until the end of the season, with Craig Shakespeare and John Terry joining as part of the coaching staff. Shakespeare worked under Claudio Ranieri during Leicester’s stunning run to the title in 2016, before taking over as manager after the Italian was sacked a year later.

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season,” Smith told the club’s official 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.

“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.”

Smith’s first assignment is an ominous one, with Leicester travelling to title hopefuls Manchester City on Saturday. They also face Wolves, Leeds, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham before the end of the season.

“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.”