Dean Smith has officially been named as Leicester’s temporary manager for the end of the season.
The 52-year-old Smith, who has previously held managerial positions with Brentford, Aston Villa, and Norwich, is now charged with keeping the Foxes in the Premier League.
He said: “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season.
“The challenge in front of us is clear but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before.
“And with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable.”
Brendan Rodgers was axed earlier this month, leaving Leicester second from bottom and without a win since February.
Craig Shakespeare will join Smith in the dugout — as will John Terry — after spending six years at the club as both an assistant and manager.
They will be thrown straight into the deep end for Saturday’s trip to title-chasing Manchester City.
Smith added: “Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week.
“Saturday will be a big test but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world.
“I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.
“If it was something I thought was unsurmountable, I wouldn’t have come – and Shakey and JT wouldn’t have come.
“We’ll be putting demands on the players and on ourselves. We’ll be spending every minute making sure we work hard to keep this club in the Premier League.”
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha is convinced Smith will keep the club up.
He said: “We’ve endured a challenging season but I have no doubt we have the quality in our squad to win this fight.
“Dean’s experience will be key to unlocking that potential.”