He was fired by Aston Villa, cycled round Central Park, visited the Empire State Building, took a look at the Statue of Liberty, hired by Norwich and then picked up three Premier League points.
What a fortnight for Dean Smith. He knew there would be turbulence, and not only because of that jaunt to New York amid his eight days of unemployment. This job, of trying to pick the Premier League’s bottom side up off the basement floor, was never going to be a smooth one.
This 2-1 win over Southampton was the dream start, however. Maybe, just maybe, they can survive, after all.
Dean Smith started his tenure at Carrow Road with a precious win against Southampton
Norwich had to do it the hard way. They had lost their last 33 Premier League matches when conceding the opening goal and Che Adams struck inside four minutes here at Carrow Road.
Yet goals from Teemu Pukki and Grant Hanley completed the turnaround, ensuring it would be a winning start for Smith. The roar at full time told you the supporters believe they can get themselves out of trouble, now that they have ‘Deano’ at the helm.
Before kick off, the players walked out of the tunnel, and so did Ralph Hasenhuttl in his three-piece pinstripe suit, but Smith didn’t. He held back in the tunnel, awaiting his introduction. ‘Canary fans,’ the announcer shouted from the speakers, ‘please welcome our new coach.’
Norwich captain Grant Hanley scored the winner as the Canaries came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 at Carrow Road
Che Adams put Southampton ahead with his second goal in three Premier League games
