Reports in the States have identified former Norwich City and Leicester City manager Dean Smith as a potential candidate to succeed Christian Lattanzio as the head coach of Charlotte FC, who are looking to fill the vacancy left after parting ways with Lattanzio last month. Smith is joined by former footballer Frank Lampard as a candidate for the position, reigniting the race that followed the dismissal of Daniel Farke from Norwich City in November 2021. After holding talks with both Smith and Lampard, Norwich City opted to appoint the ex-Aston Villa boss, which eventually led Smith to join Leicester City in April. However, he was unable to keep Leicester in the Premier League and eventually joined the coaching staff of Charlotte FC.
Smith’s potential move to Charlotte FC is of personal significance, as his son Jamie is a professional footballer for South Carolina-based side Greenville Triumph, which is located just two hours away from Charlotte. Charlotte FC, a team that was formed in 2019, made the MLS playoffs for the first time in history this season before losing to New York Red Bulls. The team has since been in search of a new head coach and is expected to make an appointment by the end of December for the upcoming MLS season, which is set to begin in February 2024.
Another candidate for the head coach position at Charlotte FC is Freddy Juarez, a former manager of Real Salt Lake and current coach at Seattle Sounders. This potential appointment comes at a time when Charlotte FC is working to further establish itself in the MLS, with the expectation of confirming a new head coach by the end of December. Among the notable players currently in the MLS is Teemu Pukki, former Norwich City player, who joined Minnesota United after his contract at Carrow Road expired in July, making a significant impact with 10 goals in 14 appearances.
In conclusion, the potential appointment of Dean Smith or Frank Lampard as the head coach of Charlotte FC, along with other contenders such as Freddy Juarez, could mark an important move for the expansion team as they seek to build on their recent playoff appearance. The personal connections of Smith, such as his son’s involvement in the South Carolina-based Greenville Triumph, also add an interesting dynamic to the potential move. With the MLS season set to start in February 2024, the appointment of a new head coach is an important step for Charlotte FC as they look to further establish themselves in the league.
