The 50-year-old has made a swift return to the dugout just a week after he was sacked by Aston Villa.

Smith replaces Daniel Farke, who was also axed last weekend despite overseeing Norwich's first win of the season, at Brentford.

Farke's spell in charge was ultimately ended by his side's chastening 7-0 hammering at Chelsea on October 23, even though he remained in the job for a further two matches.

Smith joined Villa in 2018 following a spell in charge of Brentford where he developed a reputation for playing exciting, attacking football.

He guided Villa back to the top flight via the playoffs in his first campaign with a club record 10-match winning run at the end of the season.

He lost his job at Villa after five straight Premier League defeats, with the Birmingham club's last victory coming on September 25 at Manchester United.

Norwich turned their attention to Smith after former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard withdrew from the running.

Norwich lie bottom of the table, five points from safety after 11 matches.

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

Smith's first game in charge will be against Southampton at Carrow Road on Saturday. Southampton were also the opponents for his last match in charge of Villa, losing 1-0 at St Mary's.

Australian Associated Press