Dean Smith, an Englishman with a rich coaching history in the Premier League, has been named the new head coach of Charlotte FC, making him the third coach to lead the team in as many seasons. Smith takes over following the team’s first-ever playoff appearance, but owner David Tepper has opted for a change in hopes of taking the team to the next level.
Smith, 52, has experience coaching in all levels of English football, beginning in League One with Walsall before moving to Brentford in the Championship and eventually leading Aston Villa in the Premier League. His impressive track record includes guiding Aston Villa to promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and narrowly avoiding relegation in his first season with the club.
After a successful start with Aston Villa, Smith’s time at the club became more challenging, with the club narrowly avoiding relegation and missing out on a top-ten finish in subsequent seasons. His next coaching stop was with Norwich City, where he struggled to keep the team competitive in the Premier League and was eventually relieved of his coaching duties.
Smith’s most recent stint as a head coach was with Leicester City, where he stepped into a challenging situation with the team in 19th place in the Premier League. Despite a valiant effort, Smith was unable to prevent the team from being relegated to the Championship.
Now, Smith is looking to bring his coaching expertise to Charlotte FC and build on the team’s first playoff appearance. With talented players like Karol Swiderski and Enzo Copetti leading the way, Smith will be aiming to establish a strong foundation for future success in Major League Soccer.
Charlotte FC fans can expect Smith to bring a wealth of experience and a track record of success to the club. While his recent coaching stints in the Premier League were challenging, Smith’s ability to guide teams through promotion and relegation battles demonstrates his adaptability and determination. With his coaching tenure officially underway, Smith is eager to make his mark in MLS and help Charlotte FC reach new heights in the upcoming season.
