FRIDGE MAGNET
Smith thought Villa axe would mean more time checking his cold shelf ... but now he aims to make Norwich hot stuff
BY JON WEST
DEAN SMITH aims to prove he is a cool customer after giving up regular checks on the fridge.
Smith, sacked as Aston Villa boss, is relishing the task of trying to save Norwich City’s sorry season.
It has been a whirlwind 10 days for the 50-year-old, who had been expecting to spend more time with his family – and the fridge.
Villa axed him a week last Sunday, Norwich made their move within 24 hours and, after a trip to New York to see son, Jamie, he is now installed as Daniel Farke’s successor.
Smith admitted he had an odd routine while not in a job and said: “I’ve got a little bit of OCD in me so I’m in the fridge making sure the ham is not out of date.
“The wife gets told about that straight away! The garden was always looking perfect and the golf got a little bit better.
“It feels good to be back. My wife had more plans for me, but losing a job and being re-employed, it’s been a very good week in the end.”
Smith’s big problem is Norwich, owned by celebrity cook Delia Smith, have been easy meat for opponents this term.
And with just one win on the board from 11 attempts, like Norfolk’s famous turkeys they could be doomed by Christmas.
Smith does not have a relegation on his CV however, from spells at Walsall, Brentford and then
Villa – and is confident that will not change.
He added: “In my first season at Walsall we were eight points adrift and had played two games more than everyone else. We did well to stay up that season.
“I’m very proud of my record and I’ve always believed my job is to make players better.
“If you make them better their performances get better, with better results. But, yes, it hasn’t been the greatest of starts – hence
why I’m here.” Sporting director Stuart Webber sacked Farke the day before Smith got the boot – just minutes after Norwich had won 2-1 at Brentford.
Webber, who held talks with exChelsea boss
Frank Lampard before plumping for t h e more experienced Smith, insisted it had been the toughest of calls.
He said: “Anyone who can say they find it easy making then delivering those decisions is probably a psychopath.
“It was purely logistical. On Sunday our players were going away on international duty. The only opportunity for Daniel to say goodbye was on Saturday night.
“It was like breaking up with a girlfriend. Tell me the right time to do it. February? It’s Valentine’s Day. Summer? We’ve booked a holiday. Then it’s Christmas.
“What was important was that we did it as dignified as we could because it was what he deserved.”
Webber confirmed he had passed Smith over for the job at Huddersfield in 2015.
He added: “He’s a big bloke so I thought I’d better say yes this time!”
STEVIE G HAS IT ALL TO PROVE AT VILLA PARK BRIAN READE PAGE 61