Who is Dean Smith, former Premier League coach taking charge at Charlotte FC?
The MLS has picked up some big names in recent months and the new man joining the North Carolina franchise has plenty of top level experience.
One of the coaching positions that draws considerable attention in Major League Soccer ahead of the 2024 season is that of Charlotte FC, who today announced the appointment of Dean Smith to lead the organization’s project in North Carolina as they approach their third year in the top tier of North American soccer. The English coach triumphed over compatriot Frank Lampard in securing the position.
Charlotte capture experienced Smith
At 52 years old, Smith, who has previously managed clubs such as Aston Villa, Norwich City, and Leicester City, is now tasked with steering the anticipated success of the Bank of America Stadium franchise. This comes after they missed the postseason in their inaugural season and qualified for the playoffs in the 2023 season but were eliminated in the wildcard round.
It is worth noting that the challenge ahead for Smith is markedly different from what he encountered in the Premier League or the English Championship. In the case of MLS, there is no relegation, and the expectations for a club like Charlotte revolve around continued growth in the Eastern Conference. However, it is evident that the short-term goal is to prepare a team that competes unequivocally in this region.
Following his departure from Villa, where he did an excellent job between October 2018 and November 2021 by returning them to the top flight, Smith did not find similar success in a year at the helm of Norwich. In his most recent experience, he took charge of a Leicester side destined for relegation to the Championship. Leading Charlotte FC represents a significant opportunity for redemption.
Smith excited with MLS opportunity
In his first remarks in Charlotte, as conveyed in the press release from the Bank of America Stadium, Smith stated that he was honoured to be named the next head coach of Charlotte FC, and that he could not wait to begin preparations for the 2024 season.
“It is an ambitious club with the right ingredients for success, and I am thrilled to start a new chapter in Charlotte,” he added.
Facing the challenge of the Eastern Conference, Smith, in addition to embracing this new chapter in his coaching career with utmost enthusiasm, will need to contend with formidable opponents such as the reigning champions Columbus Crew, Supporters’ Shield winner FC Cincinnati, intriguing franchises like Atlanta United, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, which stands out as the most captivating project in MLS.