CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte FC once again has a new head coach. Dean Smith brings with him more than a decade of overseas experience.

Smith has inked a multi-year deal, according to a release from the club.

He shared a message with fans Tuesday morning on Charlotte FC's social media.

The 52-year-old Smith coached Aston Villa in England's Premier League and was at the helm when the team earned promotion into that country's top flight of professional soccer. 

“Dean is a well-respected manager with over a decade of professional coaching, including at the highest level of the game in the Premier League, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlotte FC,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta.

In a release, the team said Smith's managerial career followed 16 years as a player in League One and League Two.

“I’m honored to be appointed as the next head coach of Charlotte FC and cannot wait to start preparations for the 2024 season,” said Smith.

“Throughout the interview process, it was clear that this is an ambitious club with the right ingredients for success and I’m delighted to begin a new chapter in Charlotte," he said.