Norwich City have sacked Head Coach, Dean Smith following a poor run of form.
Smith’s departure comes with the Canaries sat fifth in the Championship following a run of just 12 points in their last 13 league games, having previously sat second in the table after a slow start to their season following relegation from the Premier League at end of last season.
The decision to release Smith also came amidst rising tensions amongst home supporters with just four points from their last six fixtures at Carrow Road.
Assistant Head Coach, Craig Shakespear and First-Team coach, Liam Bramley have also been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
Addressing the decision to part company with Smith, Sporting Director – Stuart Webber issued the following statement: “This was a tough decision, but one that we felt was necessary to give ourselves the best possible chance of achieving our objective of promotion to the Premier League this season.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Dean, Craig and Liam, who have always put the best interests of the football club first.
“With just under half of the season remaining and three consecutive home games on the horizon we now have a real opportunity to build some forward and positive momentum, both on and off the pitch.”
Webber also confirmed that Steve Weaver and Allan Russell will take charge of the first team for training, plus their upcoming home fixtures against Reading and Watford on an interim basis.
Norwich’s board will meanwhile ‘now work to identify’ a new Head Coach, who will be expected to implement ‘a consistent style of play’ and deliver ‘the level of performances required to challenge at the top end of the league’ in a bid for automatic promotion to Premier League.
Smith’s exit ends the 51 year-old’s 13-month reign in charge of the Canaries since he replaced Daniel Farke in November 2021.
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