The former Aston Villa boss is in charge until the end of the season (Image: LCFC)

Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Dean Smith as manager of the club until the end of the current season, with John Terry taking up a role in the backroom team.

The Foxes – who are currently 19th in the Premier League – parted ways with Brendan Rodgers last month and had originally hoped to sign former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch.

However, the American withdrew in the eleventh hour after his final defeat against Bournemouth.

Leicester have now finally found a replacement for Rodgers, with former ex-Aston Villa boss Smith making eight appearances in an attempt to reverse the club’s woeful form and protect its Premier League status.

“I am very excited to be given the opportunity to lead the team in these final weeks of the season,” Smith said after his appointment was confirmed late Monday evening.

“The challenge we face is clear, but it’s one that me and my coaching staff have faced before and with the quality of this team and the number of games remaining, it’s very manageable.

Our first task is to restore confidence and belief in the team and I look forward to working with the players this week.

Smith and Terry had great success at Aston Villa (Image: Getty)

“Saturday will be a big test, but it’s the kind of opportunity that reminds us what it means to be a Premier League club competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world.

“I know we get good support from our traveling fans. We need to live up to that and provide them with a service they can be proud of. We’re going positive and looking for points.”

Smith’s first game in charge could hardly be more difficult as the side travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on reigning champions Manchester City.

Chelsea legend Terry reunites with Smith – who he worked under at Villa – and joins the coaching staff, alongside existing backroom members Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell.

Craig Shakespeare becomes Smith’s assistant and returns to Leicester after six years, having previously been assistant to Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri before becoming manager of the club himself.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Dean to the football club. His leadership, coaching and motivational qualities will be vital to us over the next eight games as we fight for our Premier League status to secure.”