Dean Smith has been confirmed as Norwich's new head coach. 

Smith, 50, was axed by Aston Villa a week ago and the Canaries have turned to him as they battle to avoid what appears to be an inevitable relegation from the Premier League. 

He has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal and will be joined at Carrow Road by assistant head coach Craig Shakespeare.

Smith said: "It has been a whirlwind seven days but I’m really pleased to be back and working for Norwich in the Premier League.

"Clearly, there has been some wonderful work that has gone into this football club over the last four-and-a-half years. 

"It is now the job of myself and Craig to continue and improve on that work with the ultimate aim of surviving in the Premier League. 

"Norwich is a big club, with a massive hardcore of supporters who are fully understanding in what it means to be part of the club and its community.

"I was brought up in an era when Norwich were competing in Europe. I remember those times well and whenever I’ve visited Carrow Road and Norwich you can really sense the connection between the fans, staff and players. 

"Together, we all have to make Carrow Road a really tough place for visiting teams.

"From the age of 16 I’ve been working in football. I think in that time I’ve had four months out and didn’t enjoy it. It’s great to get straight back in with a club that are determined to be progressive.

"I’ve always worked to improve and develop players — with that obviously comes improved performances. I was really impressed with the idea, structure and vision that is already in place at the club."

Norwich's sporting director Stuart Webber added: "We are delighted to have appointed Dean as our new head coach. 

"I have admired his work for some time and he has been a long-term target in the event that we needed to appoint a new head coach. 

"Dean has an outstanding track record and as soon as he made it clear that he was ready to go straight back into a managerial role we contacted him immediately. 

"He shares the same values and vision as the club, has a proven track record of winning games in the Premier League as well as developing players and building a winning culture and mentality. 

"In Craig we have secured an assistant head coach with an outstanding reputation and vast experience within the game. We are delighted that Craig has agreed to join our new team. 

"We look forward to working with Dean and Craig and building on the outstanding work that has been achieved at this club in the last few years. 

"There are huge challenges ahead but we are excited and determined to see how far we can continue to grow as a club on and off the pitch."

Smith replaces Daniel Farke, who was axed just hours after Norwich picked up their first league win of the season at Brentford on November 6. 

The Canaries, who host Southampton on Saturday, currently sit bottom of the table after picking up just five points from 11 games.