Dean Smith is targeting improvement despite feeling that Norwich City have made real progress in his opening 12 months as head coach.

The Canaries boss was appointed as Daniel Farke's successor last November and has overseen 48 games in charge of the club - winning 13, drawing 10 and losing 25. 

He was left to damage limitation in a messy relegation last year and has Norwich sitting in fifth after 21 matches this season - finding himself under increasing pressure from supporters following an inconsistent campaign.

Reflecting on 12 months in charge of City, Smith feels the club is in a positive position despite concerns from the stands with more needed to ensure success arrives down the track. 

"It's gone very quickly, that's for sure," he said. "It always seems to. We had an initial bounce when we came in but the Premier League was tough last year.

"But we've bounced back and this season we're putting ourselves in the position where we've got a chance. I think we've got a good squad. We've only brought four players into that squad so far, but I think we are getting to where we want to be.

"I've enjoyed it. I love coaching. I'm obsessed and the games have come thick and fast. So I enjoy pitting my wits against people.

"Physically we're more than capable now of competing with the best teams in this league. I believe we will be one of the best teams in this league.

"There's still lots more to do. But culture-wise, I think the players are in a really good place. The club is in a really good place."

Part of Smith's mission has been to alter the dynamic at Colney and tweak working practices at Colney. 

The Pink Un: Norwich City currently sit fifth in the Championship.Norwich City currently sit fifth in the Championship. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Limited)

Players have been more involved with crafting game plans and been handed a greater voice in how the team functions - with Smith also constructing a leadership group that was voted on by the first-team squad. 

"At the training ground the players come in every day and they want to learn, they want to get better," Smith said.

"They appear to enjoy training day to day and I think that's one of the big things, if you can get people coming into a work place enjoying learning, then they will become better people for it and better players."